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(click underlined movements to hear MP3 format sound clips) Johann Wanhal, Quartet in C, Op.7 no.6 Allegro - Andante -Menuetto & Trio - Presto Isaac Albéniz, Tango in D Op.165 no.2 (from España) Franz Krommer Quartet in F, PIX:21 Allegro - Menuetto & Trio - Rondo Malcolm Arnold Quartet, Op.61 Allegro non troppo - Allegretto - Vivace con brio Ferrer Ferran Horus (2007), World Première recording Allegro e Leggiero - Larghetto - Presto non molto Albéniz, Córdoba Op.232 no.4, (Chants d'Espagne) Total Time 61:44 Wanhal 1st movement   Albeniz Tango Horus Booklet Notes
The Performers Sarah Roper (oboe) Vladimir Dmitrienco (violin) Jerome Ireland (viola) Gretchen Talbot (cello) George Caird, Double Reed news (UK) "Sarah Roper's Howarth oboe produces a very liquid, transparent color with soft, seamless slurring... she is so suited to playing long, quiet, sustained, potentially exhausting melody lines, without the slightest indication of strain, and with the utmost relaxed and smooth projection." Jeanne Belfy, The Double Reed (US). You can see the whole review here (as a PDF). "The two arrangements of piano pieces by Albèniz work quite delightfully. In Tango, from the suite España, Sarah Roper’s oboe creates some appropriately sinuous melodic lines and the strings are eloquently rhythmical. Where ‘Córdoba’ is concerned — from the collection Chants d’Espagne — I am a ready audience for anything which evokes the city, as this certainly does. In doing so, it makes a gorgeous ending to a very enjoyable CD." Glyn Pursglove, MusicWeb International "It is always gratifying to learn of a chamber group in our country which is alive and active, defending works by composers not often programmed... The group creates a very balanced sound and an outstanding clarity within the voices." Arturo Reverter, El Cultural, Spain "The Cuarteto Emispherio has given life to Horus, thanks to the musicians' neat and accurate understanding of the score and their emotional interpretation of the work. An interpretation that excites and moves you to the world of 'magic' that Egyptian history has shown us. Listening to this excellent performance makes you truly dream." Ferrer Ferran, Spain "We do perhaps get over familiar with the Mozart quartet and so the delightful Wanhal and Krommer quartets, which I have not heard before, were a real pleasure. Wonderfully sprightly and a showcase for Sara Roper’s brilliant technique and lovely tone which suits this format perfectly. Rich but with a shimmering quality. The Tango shows off her lower register nicely. Lovely playing from the strings too. I have also enjoyed the more modern pieces which are to my ear more accessible than some." Ed Holt, UK
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