GoodSoundClub - Romy the Cat's Audio Site

In the Forum: Musical Discussions
In the Thread: Bliss

Post Subject: BlissPosted by op.9 on: 10/27/2008

Arthur Bliss
String Quartets nos. 1 and 2
The Griller Quartet 1943/1950
Dutton CDBP9780 2008

This is a revelation for me - on all fronts...

1. Music. I don't know how I have missed this fabulous music up till now. I'm ashamed to say that I had no idea how exotic and imaganitive Mr. Bliss could. I know the wonderful Clarinet quinetet .. but this is in a different league. inspired throughout..

2. Playing. Funny, I knew Mr Griller shortly before he died, as he was my quartet coach when I was in my teens - he often used to mention this music and how virtuoso it was. And also how they were a really very good quartet when they were young. I'm embarrassed to say that I just didn't really see how they possibly could be... and why o why didn't I run out to buy the record then? strange. Mr. Griller leads the group very strongly and has a really easy virtuosity and fabulous passion...
Funny, I never really warmed to him as a person.

3. Really terrific sound. Dutton Labs have made really good transfers of a superbly balanced recording. Lots of impact, detail and risk. Its a demonstration of proper quartet recording... from 1943 hmmm!

Rerurn to Romy the Cat's Site