Benjamin Britten - String Quartet No. 2, Op. 36

[@stueystuey1962]

Interesting. I removed my entire watch history (purposely) so that I might be introduced to new works via the autoplay algorithm, which is heavily influenced by ones watch history. So...here is a piece I am not familiar with. At first I assumed it was Schnittke but really not; not macabre or gothic enough. And in some ways better than Schnittke. Also ironically reminiscent of Shostakovich (which it predates!) and a hint of Janacek. I love the lyricism. I love that he anticipates a few of the more modern gestures. Really really good stuff. As a palette cleanser to the ultra modern American serialists I can listen to this once in a while. It may not appear so but I am saying kudos to this English composer who fits really well into the development of the 20th century String Quartet.

[@slateflash]

Their blending in the second movement and their seamless passing-around of that ostinato triplet line is incredible

[@johnpcomposer]

2nd movement is quite a delight.

[@robintranter8260]

As well as Purcell, surely Bartok is a powerful influence here.

[@eelswamp]

@@davidschreiter3513 Tonalities, rhythms, structure and an overarching sensing of beauty and profundity.

[@cobblestonegenerator]

@@eelswamp are you saying he got all that from Bartok? Usually most of those things i just attribute to composers doing a good job composing. And while i love Bartok, in my opinion Brittens music is about 10x more "profound" and generally more "beautiful" than Bartoks.

[@eelswamp]

@@cobblestonegenerator "...are you saying he got all that from Bartok?" No. Just an influence.

[@philipthonemann2524]

Thank you very much for posting this! Not a work I know, and very impressive indeed!

[@geraldharvey8979]

I love Britten, however, I longed for some passages of full-throated singing.

[@tommyfeng8744]

amazing, i wish i knew this earlier

[@hemiolaguy]

A masterpiece!

[@aramkhachaturian8043]

Interesting

[@louchesimon]

Schoenberg citation ? At 6min27

[@binacaman]

Thank you. Marvelous performance of a wonderful work.

[@torterrakart7249]

11:05

[@timmynaylor4963]

Hugely enjoyable, thankyou