Emerson String Quartet MUSIC OF BRITTEN AND PURCELL

The Emerson String Quartet is celebrating its 40th anniversary season with a number of projects, including this recording that features Britten's String Quartets Nos. 2 and 3 as well as a selection of chaconnes and fantasias from Purcell, including Chacony in G Minor, Z 730 and Fantazia No. 11 in G Major, Z 742. "It’s hard to believe that the music on this CD spans almost three centuries, ranging from Purcell’s surprisingly pungent harmonies to Britten’s distinctive voice: pitched outside the mainstream of European modernism, experimental yet deeply rooted in his extensive knowledge of older music, drawing inspiration from and breathing new life into old forms," said violinist Eugene Drucker. In addition to being a celebration of its 40th anniversary, this is the ensemble's first feature recording to include cellist Paul Watkins, who joined in 2013. (Laurie Niles)