The String Quartet Meta4 play together only on the final piece in this excellent CD of music by one of the world's greatest living composers, Kaija Saariaho. Otherwise, each of these splendid musicians gets an opportunity to show off their skills alone or in various combinations, together with Anna Laakso's piano, and electronics by Marko Myohanen and the composer Kaija Saariaho. Though this music is written for intimate combinations, there is no lack of seriousness, complexity and breadth. Saariaho is well know for pieces for large orchestra or operatic ensemble, and her powerful themes and musical vision carry over to these works, which represent the entire range of her music from the 1980s to today. Some might be intimidated by Saariaho's beginnings at IRCAM in Paris, worrying that this will be overly cerebral and representing some 'system' of composition. Nothing could be further from the truth. This is pretty accessible music; atmospheric and evocative. An amazing CD!
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