Naresh Sohal: String Quartets
The British-based Naresh Sohal, born in Punjab in 1939 but resident in the UK for most of his life, was the first person of Indian origin to make his mark as a composer of western classical music, writing works that displayed an unusual fusion of two cultures. The four quartets heard here – two of them being performed for the first time – document Sohal’s stylistic journey: the fireworks of Chiaroscuro II reflect the wild energy of European modernism, whereas the three later works are more considered in manner, incorporating occasional echoes of Indian music into their freewheeling counterpoint.
Piatti Quartet
Listen To This Recording:
- Chiaroscuro II (String Quartet No. 1) (1976) (14:46)
- String Quartet No. 3 (2008) (15:32)
String Quartet No. 4 (2009)
- I. Allegro – Adagio (8:00)
- II. Moderato (8:47)
- III. Allegro (7:12)
String Quartet No. 5 (2010) (20:14)
- I. Allegretto (8:09)
- II. Adagio (6:32)
- III. Allegro (5:33)
First Recordings
MusicWeb International :
‘What will not be in question for anyone who listens to this CD is the value of Sohal’s contributions to the genre. […]
The Quartet No. 1 [is] a wholly accomplished work. […]
If one of the reasons Sohal didn’t go on to write a sixth quartet was because he felt he had said all he had to say about the genre, one could understand that after listening to this mesmerising conclusion.
The Piatti Quartet […] steps effortlessly into this very different music. I can think of no higher compliment than to say that their profound musicianship and selfless playing allow these elemental, radiant and intense works to speak directly to the listener in the most rewarding way possible. They deserve our heartfelt gratitude for their advocacy and the all-round excellence of their playing.
I should add that the recorded sound on the new album is really good: warm and clear with resonance perfectly judged. The booklet notes by Suddhaseel Sen, Janet Swinney and Utsyo Chakraborty are exemplary.’
—Dominic Hartley, MusicWeb International
American Record Guide :
‘[Chiaroscuro II is] a gripping but daunting work for players and listeners alike. […]
Though I find myself […] fascinated than […], it is interesting and certainly original. There aren’t many recordings of it out there, so Toccata is doing a service to his legacy with this release […]. Performances and sound are fine. As is typical for this label, notes on the composer and his works are extensive and comprehensive.’
—Nathan Faro, American Record Guide
Fanfare :
‘[The 4th quartet] is a tremendous piece. […]
The string quartets of Naresh Sohal are but one side of his persona. An investigation of his piano music is just as rewarding, and the same label, Toccata Classics, has released it all in combination with Sohal’s Piano Trio. […]
I cannot recommend [this] discs highly enough.’
—Colin Clarke, Fanfare
Fanfare :
‘Despite being a grab bag of avant-garde tropes, Chiaroscuro II sounds to me grounded in a way that most of that kind of music does not. […]
Technically, Sohal’s writing for string quartet is skillful and idiomatic. The Piatti Quartet (based in London) clearly enjoy playing his music, and they do it well. They are recorded in a reasonably spacious acoustic that suits the spare textures perfectly.’
—Phillip Scott, Fanfare
Fanfare :
‘[In Chiaroscuro II ,] Sohal’s mastery of colors and atmosphere is both undeniable and compelling. […] . In [quartets 3-5], Sohal’s brilliant palette of instrumental colors is aligned with engaging thematic development. […] The Piatti Quartet’s incisive, dynamic, and colorful renditions succeed on all counts. In addition to the Sen and Swinney retrospective, Utsyo Chakraborty provides an in-depth analysis of the included works. Recommended.’
—Ken Meltzer, Fanfare
Fanfare :
‘The Piatti String Quartet does an admirable job of teasing out the subtleties of these works. Their experience in tackling obscure modern music, particularly by British and Irish composers, is quite evident. The ensemble playing is impeccable and exciting.
Repeated listenings lead to discoveries of more and more subtleties and niceties. Sohal was a completely unknown entity to me before I heard this disc, and it has whetted my appetite for hearing more of his music. Strongly recommended.’
—Keith R. Fisher, Fanfare
Fanfare :
‘The Piatti Quartet […] plays with refinement and a good blend. They are patient with the music, and if you approach it with the same patient spirit I daresay it will grow on you. Recommended.’
—Raymond Tuttle, Fanfare
Fanfare :
‘The performances by the Piatti Quartet are all the composer might wish; there is some really gripping quartet playing to be heard here. The fairly close-up recording helps bring the pieces to life. The booklet contains separate biographical and analytical essays, both informative. For those interested in modern chamber music this is well worth exploring.’
—Michael Vaillancourt, Fanfare
Fanfare :
‘The quartets heard here are played quite impressively by the Piatti Quartet. […] They play here with just the right mix of precision and drive for Sohal’s music, and they’re excellently recorded by Toccata’s producer/engineer, Raphaël Mouterde of Lemniscat Productions.
[…] I hope Toccata follows it up with a CD of the missing Quartet No. 2 and the soprano-and-quartet Awakening.’
—Mark Gabrish Conlan, Fanfare