ALL RECORDINGS
"I gave their earlier Schubert disc an enthusiastic review (Fanfare 44:1), and I’m ready to praise the same high level of musicality and boldness of interpretation in this new account of Schubert’s last string quartet, the daunting No. 15 in G, whose unsettling, ambiguous spirit has puzzled many performers. The Fitzwilliam has a unity of purpose backed up by strong interpretative abilities and charismatic playing. I haven’t encountered many great recordings of this work, and theirs joins an engrossing one by the Tetzlaff Quartet in 2017 as the best in a long while."
- 5-Stars from Huntley Dent, Fanfare Magazine
- 5-Stars from Huntley Dent, Fanfare Magazine
Schubert A minor and D minor string quartets on gut strings - a Divine Art CD released on Valentine's Day 2020, another recording to celebrate the Quartet's 50th anniversary season.
'Another outstanding CD… Violist Alan George’s outstanding booklet notes once again add immensely to our understanding of these almost symphonic works and the performance questions they raise – questions superbly answered by the FSQ. The resulting performances consequently have a feeling of authenticity that is quite remarkable and perfectly exploits the emotional range of these visionary works.' - The Whole Note
'Another outstanding CD… Violist Alan George’s outstanding booklet notes once again add immensely to our understanding of these almost symphonic works and the performance questions they raise – questions superbly answered by the FSQ. The resulting performances consequently have a feeling of authenticity that is quite remarkable and perfectly exploits the emotional range of these visionary works.' - The Whole Note
'...their latest thoughts on these late masterpieces are unmissable, showing an even greater depth and responsiveness, every phrase and note, every percussive stroke, carefully weighted, every tempo inflection and nuance of phrasing brilliantly judged.'- Europadisc
An intriguing mix of Liz Johnson's music ranging from her miniature for string quartet Tide purl to the huge clarinet quintet Sea-change along with fascinating solo songs setting Jo Shapcott's quirky poetry. The expansive Cello Suite Reflections of an Eccentric English Artist, inspired by Ben Hartley, is performed by Canadian cellist Heather Tuach, and all four string quartets are performed with sensitivity and power by the Fitzwilliam String Quartet. The quartet is joined by singer Loré Lixenberg in the evocative setting of Sky-burial (Quartet No. 4), winner of the IAWM Search for New Music 2016 award, and by multi-clarinettist Ronald Woodley in the weird and wonderful Sea-change that involves five different clarinets, from the huge contrabass up to the tiny E flat. The quartet also play a set of five instruments each, including egg shakers and Swanee whistles!
"The Fitzwilliam Quartet have uncovered the Quintet's marvels."
- 5 Stars from Stephen Johnson, BBC Music Magazine
"...the Fitzwilliam's new release is the one to have. The playing articulates with great subtlety the Romantic abundance of Bruckner's slow movements-the Adagio to the quintet is especially gorgeous-while not shying away from the bizarre and kinky writing in the scherzos and finales and in the Intermezzo. Linn's recording and the acoustic of the recording venue are ideal." - Jerry Dubins, Fanfare Magazine
"This excellent Linn Records disc is a remarkable showcase for the Fitzwilliam String Quartet's thoughtfulness and interpretative skill, and the quintet heard here is a not-to-be-missed experience for anyone intrigued by Bruckner as a composer..." - Infodad.com, November 19, 2015
"a performance of authority, enchanting imagination and visionary eloquence. - Ken Ward, The Bruckner Journal, 2015
- 5 Stars from Stephen Johnson, BBC Music Magazine
"...the Fitzwilliam's new release is the one to have. The playing articulates with great subtlety the Romantic abundance of Bruckner's slow movements-the Adagio to the quintet is especially gorgeous-while not shying away from the bizarre and kinky writing in the scherzos and finales and in the Intermezzo. Linn's recording and the acoustic of the recording venue are ideal." - Jerry Dubins, Fanfare Magazine
"This excellent Linn Records disc is a remarkable showcase for the Fitzwilliam String Quartet's thoughtfulness and interpretative skill, and the quintet heard here is a not-to-be-missed experience for anyone intrigued by Bruckner as a composer..." - Infodad.com, November 19, 2015
"a performance of authority, enchanting imagination and visionary eloquence. - Ken Ward, The Bruckner Journal, 2015
"Sung with diligent attention to both notes and words, this finely chosen selection of English church music covers the richly rewarding period from the Restoration through to the late 18th century." - 4 Stars from George Hall, BBC Music Magazine
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"Beautiful, evocative, compelling, dense at times while deeply tinged in heart and soul, Uwe Steinmetz’s brilliant original compositions and visionary arrangements of classical masterworks are eminently suited for the lens of the modern day string quartet form. Masterfully brought to focus by the Fitzwilliam String Quartet, enriched and enlivened by jazz violin wizard Mads Tolling, and highlighted by the composer’s own hard swinging virtuosic saxophone playing, the new record of Uwe Steinmetz and the Fitzwilliam String Quartet is a must-listen for anyone with ears for what’s happening in contemporary cross-genre music making."
- David Balakrishnan (founder of the Turtle Island String Quartet, 2012) 'I haven’t heard sonics like these since the 1950s, except perhaps on Ornette Coleman’s two Sound Museum CDs, which also had a retro feel…. I must also lavish praise on Lucy Russell for her outstanding playing on this track [Bach Chaconne]. This is a remarkable CD, highly recommended!' - Lynn René Bayley, Fanfare Magazine (November, 2013) |
MICHAEL BLAKE
String Quartets 1 & 2 Piano Quintet MBED00 "The three substantial pieces on this CD are some of the most uncompromisingly individual chamber works of recent years....influenced by the sound-world and syntax of traditional African musics, they surprise and impress....The performances of all three works on this disk are committed and masterly." - Michael Graubart, Tempo (2013) |
JOHN RAMSAY
Divine Art Records String Quartets 1-4 MSV 28528 “While the music is intellectually challenging, it's also very approachable, making for one of the most interesting chamber releases to appear in some time. The performances by the Fitzwilliam String Quartet are impeccable… razor sharp precision, confidence and emotional commitment. The sound is exceptionally clear.” - Robert E McQuiston, Classical Lost and Found (2012) |
Brahms, Mozart, Glazunov, Sweeney
(Lesley Schatzberger, clarinet) Linn Records 2007 SACD CKD 278 “…a triumph: the most revelatory version of the [Brahms Clarinet Quintet] I’ve heard in years; animated, dynamic, passionate…. I have no hesitation in naming this the new benchmark” - BBC Music Magazine 
Vaughan Williams:
On Wenlock Edge; plus works by Bliss, Gurney, Warlock (James Gilchrist, tenor; Anna Tilbrook, piano) Linn Records CKD 296 - Finalist Solo Vocal Album of the Year - Classic FM Gramophone Awards 2008 
Shostakovich: Quartets 1-15
Decca/London 455 776-2 - Gramophone '100 Greatest Recordings' November 2005 
U Steinmetz/D Bonhoeffer:
Stations on the Road to Freedom Uwe Steinmetz with European Art Jazz Ensemble Gravity 020313 
Delius, Sibelius Quartets
Decca Eloquence 442 9486 
Schubert: Quintet in C major, D.956
(Christopher van Kampen, cello) Decca Eloquence 480 5622 
Beethoven: Quartet in B flat, Op.130; Grosse Fuge, Op.133
Decca Eloquence 480 5619 
Beethoven: Quartet in A minor, Op.132
Decca Eloquence 480 5619 
J S Bach: Sinfonia;
Finzi: Interlude (Léon Goossens, oboe) Chandos 7132 
Mozart: Clarinet Quintet K.581
(Lesley Schatzberger, basset clarinet) WDR D-7378 
Brahms: Clarinet Quintet in B minor; Wolf: Italian Serenade
(Alan Hacker, clarinet) Decca Eloquence 480 5622 |
Haydn: Seven Last Words, Op. 51
Linn Records 2001 CKD 153 “A chaste, inward reading [of the Seven Last Words], deeply musical and thoughtfully articulated……I’ll stick with this beautifully balanced new recording.” – Gramophone “In this new recording [of The Seven Last Words] the members [of the FSQ] succeed fabulously well. This disc is an unmitigated delight…one of unrelenting beauty.” – Musical Heritage (USA) “The Fitzwilliam quartet, on period instruments, give a superb performance of these marvellous pieces, conveying all the passion and poignancy in the music.” - Early Music News 
Haydn: Quartets Opp.1/6, 71/2,
77/2 (live recording) Divine Art Diversions DDV 24151 “Careful attention to dynamics, with outstanding playing by all members, also contributed to one of the most joyful and spiritually uplifting CDs that I have ever heard: moving profundity and sublime jollity through Haydn’s glorious music.” - Ian Milnes “...the set as a whole is one to rejoice in." – David Cairns, Sunday Times “Although nearly ten years old, these memorable live performances are eminently worthy of issue...they are above all marked by a balance and maturity of conception that speaks of long partnership.” - Early Music Review “Focusing on exploring three string quartets to the fullest, this is lively, charming music that feels like it could add class and elegance to any set of speakers it touches.” – Chris Spector, Midwest Records 
Shostakovich: Piano Quintet
plus Piano Music/Chamber Works (Vladimir Ashkenazy, piano) Decca 473 807-2/475 7425 
Schumann: Piano Quintet, Piano Quartet, Violin Sonata No.1
(Richard Burnett, Graf fortepiano) Amon Ra CD-SAR54 
Borodin: Quartets 1 & 2
Decca Eloquence 480 3454 
Franck: Quartet in D major
Decca Eloquence 476 8463 “A magnificent performance [of the Franck Quartet], superbly triumphing over the technical challenge with totally dedicated, passionately convincing playing; one of the finest chamber music records of the 1980s.” - Penguin Guide to Compact Discs (June 2006) |
Lucy Russell RECORDINGS
Beethoven: Sonatas for violin and fortepiano, Opp.23, 24, 30/1
Lucy Russell and Sezi Seskir
Acis APL29582
"......shapely but uncluttered phrasing and well-set tempos make for a refreshingly gutsy approach. This duo still displays plenty of humor, but their attack and tense pacing create an invigorating sense of discombobulation. Coupled with their immediacy of energy and emotion, the two players also highlight the earthy beauty of their instruments." - Andrew J. Sammut, Early Music America
"Living in an age of classical music reconsidering itself, both in terms of overall cultural relevance and now adjusting to challenges presented by a global pandemic, it is refreshing to hear musicians find enlightening and successful ways of celebrating and elevating our appreciation of the standard canon." - Andrew Justice, Society for 18th cent Music (USA)
Lucy Russell and Sezi Seskir
Acis APL29582
"......shapely but uncluttered phrasing and well-set tempos make for a refreshingly gutsy approach. This duo still displays plenty of humor, but their attack and tense pacing create an invigorating sense of discombobulation. Coupled with their immediacy of energy and emotion, the two players also highlight the earthy beauty of their instruments." - Andrew J. Sammut, Early Music America
"Living in an age of classical music reconsidering itself, both in terms of overall cultural relevance and now adjusting to challenges presented by a global pandemic, it is refreshing to hear musicians find enlightening and successful ways of celebrating and elevating our appreciation of the standard canon." - Andrew Justice, Society for 18th cent Music (USA)
J S Bach: Sonatas for violin and harpsichord
Lucy Russell and John Butt
LINN RECORDS
“for sheer freshness, insight and life-enhancing joy, this newcomer goes to the top of the class alongside Podger and Pinnock, Manze and Egarr”.
- BBC Music Magazine
Lucy Russell and John Butt
LINN RECORDS
“for sheer freshness, insight and life-enhancing joy, this newcomer goes to the top of the class alongside Podger and Pinnock, Manze and Egarr”.
- BBC Music Magazine