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Cowie: The Kreutzer Effect
Metier

Cowie: The Kreutzer Effect

Contemporary Virtuosic Contemplative Dramatic
$10.49
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Details

Composer
Edward Cowie
Artist
Kreutzer Quartet
Format
CD
Label
Metier
Released
Apr 19, 2024
Catalog #
MEX77103
UPC
809730710322

About

Considered one of the most influential composers inspired by the natural world, Edward Cowie's collaboration with the exceptional Kreutzer String Quartet spans nearly a decade. This partnership has resulted in the recording of Cowie's first six quartets, as well as remarkable solo and duo works showcasing the quartet's unparalleled skill. Now, Cowie presents his seventh string quartet, "Western Australia," specially crafted for the Kreutzer Quartet, accompanied by four solo portrait pieces dedicated to each member. From the ethereal heights of Clifton Harrison's viola to the intricate melodies inspired by the habits of owls for Neil Heyde's cello, Cowie's compositions reflect a profound reverence for both the human animal and the natural world.

Delving into the heart of Australia's rugged landscape, Cowie's quartet captures the awe-inspiring vastness and ancient beauty of Western Australia. Each movement paints a vivid picture of the region's diverse landscapes, from the expansive horizons of the first movement to the primal origins depicted in the second, culminating in the mysterious allure of the Pinnacles in the final movement. Through his music, Cowie masterfully evokes the ever-changing landscapes and intricate ecosystems of Western Australia, inviting listeners on a transformative journey through time and space.

Additionally, the recording features four solo portraits, each a testament to the unique talents and personalities of the Kreutzer Quartet members. From Neil Heyde's emotive exploration of owls to Mihailo Trandafilovski's evocative interpretation of evolution, Cowie's compositions showcase the quartet's versatility and virtuosity. With each note, Cowie pays homage to his collaborators, celebrating their friendship and artistic prowess while pushing the boundaries of contemporary chamber music. Experience the extraordinary fusion of nature and music in Cowie's latest masterpiece, a testament to the enduring power of creative collaboration and the boundless wonders of the natural world.

The Kreutzer Quartet has established itself as one of the most sought-after string quartets in the UK. They appear regularly at the major London venues and have made many live and studio recordings for the BBC, and major networks all over Europe. They have taken their extremely eclectic programmes to Italy, Germany, France, Holland, Serbia, Montenegro, Sardinia, the US, Spain, Cyprus, Poland, and Lithuania. Recent critical and publicly acclaimed performances have been at the Warsaw Autumn Festival, de Doelen, Rotterdam, Quartet 2000, Manchester International, and the Vilnius Philharmonic Festival.

Tracklist 11 tracks

  1. 1 I. Athene noctua (Little Owl) 02:51
    Track
    1
    Title
    I. Athene noctua (Little Owl)
    Duration
    02:51
    Composer
    Edward Cowie
    Performer
    Neil Heyde
  2. 2 II. Strix aluco (Tawny Owl) 02:51
    Track
    2
    Title
    II. Strix aluco (Tawny Owl)
    Duration
    02:51
    Composer
    Edward Cowie
    Performer
    Neil Heyde
  3. 3 III. Asio flameus (Short-eared Owl) 02:30
    Track
    3
    Title
    III. Asio flameus (Short-eared Owl)
    Duration
    02:30
    Composer
    Edward Cowie
    Performer
    Neil Heyde
  4. 4 IV. Asio otus (Long-eared Owl) 03:17
    Track
    4
    Title
    IV. Asio otus (Long-eared Owl)
    Duration
    03:17
    Composer
    Edward Cowie
    Performer
    Neil Heyde
  5. 5 V. Tyto alba (Barn Owl) 03:48
    Track
    5
    Title
    V. Tyto alba (Barn Owl)
    Duration
    03:48
    Composer
    Edward Cowie
    Performer
    Neil Heyde
  6. 6 Whatever Happened to Icarus? 17:47
    Track
    6
    Title
    Whatever Happened to Icarus?
    Duration
    17:47
    Composer
    Edward Cowie
    Performer
    Peter Sheppard Skærved
  7. 7 One Second Fiddle (version for violin) 09:48
    Track
    7
    Title
    One Second Fiddle (version for violin)
    Duration
    09:48
    Composer
    Edward Cowie
    Performer
    Mihailo Trandafilovski
  8. 8 Menurida Variants 13:02
    Track
    8
    Title
    Menurida Variants
    Duration
    13:02
    Composer
    Edward Cowie
    Performer
    Peter Sheppard Skærved
  9. 9 I. The Road of Flowers 09:17
    Track
    9
    Title
    I. The Road of Flowers
    Duration
    09:17
    Composer
    Edward Cowie
    Ensemble
    Kreutzer Quartet
  10. 10 II. Hamelin Pool - Shark Bay 08:24
    Track
    10
    Title
    II. Hamelin Pool - Shark Bay
    Duration
    08:24
    Composer
    Edward Cowie
    Ensemble
    Kreutzer Quartet
  11. 11 III. The Pinnacles: Nambung National Park 09:44
    Track
    11
    Title
    III. The Pinnacles: Nambung National Park
    Duration
    09:44
    Composer
    Edward Cowie
    Ensemble
    Kreutzer Quartet