Named after the fine English composer and violist Frank Bridge, the history of the Bridge Quartet , formed over thirty years ago , has been sprinkled with “discoveries” of English quartet repertoire. They are completing their recordings of the full cycle of Yorkshire-born Arnold Cooke’s (1906–2005) Quartets. They willl premiere his work at Manchester Chamber Concerts Society with Quartet No. 4, a piece that is by turns solidly constructed, inventively contrapuntal, lyrical, and energetic.
“They play Cooke’s quartets with robust energy and clarity. This is a fine release of chamber music that … augurs well for the concluding volume in the series.” – Phillip Scott, Fanfare Magazine, February 2024
In addition they will perform classic chamber music repertoire, including the “Rider “ Quartet by Haydn whose ‘bouncing’ finale theme has given rise to its nickname and Brahm’s lyrical and dramatic Quartet No.1.
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About the Bridge Quartet
Named after the fine English composer and violist Frank Bridge, the history of the Bridge Quartet has been sprinkled with “discoveries” of English quartet repertoire. As chosen artists for EM Recordings, the quartet members have relished opportunities to research and perform works by Norman O’Neill, Sir Hubert Parry, Goossens, Hurlstone and Howells to name a few. Recent explorations on EMR CDs have been Ivor Gurney’s twin song cycles, with tenor Charles Daniels and baritone Roderick Williams. “this brilliant performance by Williams, Dussek and the Bridge Quartet, make this disc an absolute must-have, not just for Gurney aficionados but for all lovers of English song, indeed all song” Opera Today June 2020
Shortly after formation, 30 years ago, the quartet was awarded 3 South Bank recitals by the Kirckmann Concert Society and has subsequently given more Wigmore Hall concerts to capacity audiences. Other notable highlights through their history have included the City of London Festival, the English Music Festival, the “Haydnfest” in Manchester, Jacksonville festival Florida, the Festival du Quatours a Cordes de Fayence, France, Fundacion Juan March Madrid, Musica Eterna Dubrovnik and Sofia Festival, Bulgaria.
An unusual asset of the Quartet, if not unique, is having within its ranks its own composer “in residence”. Leader, Colin Twigg, has written works for the CBSO and also composed specifically for the Bridge Quartet. A CD featuring his chamber music compositions was recently released by Toccata Classics with excellent reviews. “Performances, recording and Twigg’s booklet notes are all exemplary“. Gramophone 2017
Future plans for the Bridge Quartet include a Mozat words-and-music collaboration entitled “Dear Father” with actor Chris Kent and a second Arnold Cooke CD, concluding the ongoing recording project of his quartet music. The quartet also looks forward to playing for the Assembly Rooms Norwich Lunchtime series, Manchester Concert Society and Huddersfield Music Society in the 2024-2025 season.
“The Bridge Quartet play with immaculate technique and understanding.”
Music Web International September 2023 (Arnold Cooke Quartets nos 1, 3&5)
