Gramophone Magazine
December 2022
Editor's Choice

Gramophone Magazine
Critics' Choice 2022

Albion Quartet

Walton: String Quartet in A Minor
Shostakovich: String Quartet No. 3 in F major, Op. 73

Following their successful Dvořák cycle with Signum Records, Albion String Quartet are back with a selection of string quartets by Walton and Shostakovich, recorded in 2021. The concept: to juxtapose two masterpieces written in the same year in the immediate aftermath of war (1946) by composers inhabiting two entirely different social and political worlds in the Soviet Union and Britain respectively.

Formed in 2016, the Albion Quartet brings together four of the UK’s exceptional young string players who are establishing themselves rapidly on the international stage. Recent engagements from the 2017-18 season included performances at the Louvre in Paris, Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Robert Schumann Gesselschaft in Frankfurt, Båstad Festival in Sweden, Festival of Music in Franconia and Rhine Valley Music Festival in Germany, as well as the Hay Festival in the UK. The members of the quartet play on a fine collection of instruments, including a Stradivarius and Guarnerius.

"This is just a fantastic recording. It sounds great, the playing is erudite and courageous, and it’s quite simply the best thing I’ve heard all year." - Gramophone Magazine, December 2022.