Bacewicz/ Swystun/ Diverso String Quartet - Polish 20th C String Quartets

It is a challenge for any young ensemble recording their debut album to choose compositions, the interpretation of which has to be an artistic showcase. The extraordinary richness of the classical string quartet music, youthful passions and fascinations, as well as a sense of uniqueness can all be found in the works presented by the Diverso String Quartet in their debut album. The obvious common factor are the Polish qualities, however in a particularly attractive form. All three compositions are indeed milestones in the development of Polish chamber music. The 19th century was extremely fertile in the world of chamber music, but it did not find potent ground within Polish music. That impression cannot be questioned apart from exceptional works such as Juliusz Zarebski's Piano Quintet. Gates to that world were only opened at the beginning of the 20th century, due to two sole, however very significant chamber music works by Karol Szymanowski. It is Szymanowski's First String Quartet that opens Diverso's recording. This work is the first outstanding string quartet in Polish music, which opened world stages to Polish chamber music. It can be said that Szymanowski with his First String Quartet began the nationalistic period, which crucially influenced the next generation of Polish composers. These influences can be found within the rich creations by the outstanding female composer, Grazyna Bacewicz. Her chamber music has formed part of the Diverso's repertoire, not only due to Diverso being a predominantly female group. The recording is completed with Andrzej Panufnik's Third String Quartet 'Paper-cuts'. Already the title of this work, written in 1991 highlights it's Polish character, and by definition it's Polish qualities are brought to the world.