Dense movement structures dialogizing in pairs and a darkened overall sound are what Mozart, Schubert and Brahms already thought to be fascinating in the genre of string quartet. Following this tradition, the composer and violist Brett Dean created 'Epitaphs', an homage to five recently departed colleagues and friends to each of whom is dedicated one movement of the 20-minute work. It was premiered at the Cheltenham Festival 2010 by Dean and the Australian String Quartet. / Quatuor A Cordes

Mezmer for string quartet is an adaptation of the last movement of Re-Collecting ASTORoids, an earlier suite for orchestra from Kats-Chernin. Commissioned by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the suite was written in tribute to Astor Piazzolla and is clearly inspired by tango, though Kats-Chernin uses various rhythms as her source of inspiration. Mezmer is a miniature and has an intimate, smoky feel with a bluesy violin solo laden with vibrato. An air of solitude and reflection surrounds the piece. / Quatuor A Cordes

This three-minute piece for string quartet unites the typical features of Elena Kats-Chernin's compositions: blues harmony, a motor-like rhythm driven by syncopes, bittersweet melodies and austere-poetic sonority. Silver Eucalypt was written in 2006 and recorded in 2012 by the Acacia Quartet on their CD 'Blue Silence' released by Vexations840. Now there is finally a printed edition which may be a charming addition to the repertoire of professional and amateur musicians alike. / Quatuor A Cordes

Detlev Glanert a écrit son quatuor à cordes #2 pour célébrer le 80e anniversaire de son professeur Hans Werner Henze. Le titre le suggère que le roi de genres de musique de chambre ne peut pas seulement une ' conversation ' mais aussi une danse multiforme des quatre partenaires (pas toujours sensibles). La pièce de 10 minutes a été créée par les solistes de l'orchestre d'Etat bavarois à la Pinakothek der Moderne à Munich le 7 avril 2006. ' Un morceau étonnamment fraîche et concentré... La gestuelle était élevée contrapuntique, un fugato se précipite au-delà de la scène, des bords rythmiques accidentés conditionnés obstacles. Dans le chevauchement de tels moments, une sorte de paysage de rêve a été créée. ' (Reinhard Schulz, Süddeutsche Zeitung) / Quatuor A Cordes