2 of the string quartets, nos.2 Highgate (1893) & 4 Harrogate (1912), of Charles Wood (out of his 6 quartets composed in a period from around 1885 to around 1916, and first published in 1929 - some of them recorded by Steve's Bedroom Band for IMSLP) have been recorded commercially and will be released on May 15 on SOMM - Naxosdirect.co.uk (https://www.naxosdirect.co.uk/items/charles-wood-string-quartets-1295888). (There was a previous issue of no.6 in D also on SOMM with quartets by Howells in 2024. The new issue can also be found on Presto Music (https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/9855650--charles-wood-string-quartets).) So 3 are out, 3 to go...
I have enjoyed Steve's realisations very much, the more so because I didn't expect to hear a commercial recording in the near future. Steve is a hero.🙂
I admit to being a little concerned that the description looks like string orchestra arrangements... "London Chamber Ensemble conducted by Margaret Mitchell"?
The samples don't sound like they are playing it with string orchestra, fortunately.
Quote from: eschiss1 on Sunday 22 March 2026, 22:58I admit to being a little concerned that the description looks like string orchestra arrangements... "London Chamber Ensemble conducted by Margaret Mitchell"?
It actually reads, "Madeleine Mitchell, violin, director". I suspect the name "London Chamber Ensemble" means it's a flexible group of chamber musicians, like the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.
If it had been Margaret Mitchell, the works would not have been for strings..............
Sorry, my mistake again :( Thanks!
Quote from: terry martyn on Monday 23 March 2026, 10:02If it had been Margaret Mitchell, the works would not have been for strings..............
Frankly, Terry, we don't give a damn. 😉
;D
The CD is out now and on the back it reads London Chamber Ensemble Quartet. So, we get the original string quartet version. I just listened to the Harrogate quartet and enjoyed it.