Attacca Quartet – Fresh Take on John Adams
By Ralph Graves
The Attacca Quartet is a relatively new quartet, which is significant. Because they bring a youthful attitude and energy to Adam’s music — and the works benefit greatly from it.
“John’s Book of Alleged Dances” is a wonderful collection of made-up dances. And its a set that should be played with a sense of fun. How can you take movements named “Dogjam” or “Alligator Escalator” otherwise? Yet this is demanding music that only works when played with precision and energy. The Attica pulls it all together, and delivers a winning performance. I won’t say this is the definitive performance, but it’s pretty darned close.
Also included is Adams’ 2008 String Quartet, and the title select, “Fellow Traveler.” The latter is a birthday present to Adams’ opera collaborator Peter Sellers, and receives its world premiere with this release. Although a short work, its unaffected nature and spontaneity make it an ideal encore piece — a function it sort of serves in this release.
Fellow Traveler – The Complete String Quartet Works of John Adams
Attacca Quartet
Azica
