Quatuor Diotima, Ensemble Nikel, Ascolta/Jonathan Stockhammer, Ensemble Courage/Titus Engel
Wergo WER 6726 2*****

Israeli composer Chaya Czernowin here follows Darius Milhauds 1949 lead in writing a pair of string quartets – Anea Crystal, Seeds I and II– that can also be played simultaneously as an octet. Theres a challenging unpredictability in the selection of works here, all written between 2003 and 2008. Grating and grinding effects reminiscent of Xenakis are juxtaposed with melodic lines sliding in patterns that can uncannily evoke vocal inflections.

The sound-world is extremely free-ranging, but there can also be a sense of containment in the manner of expression, as if something is being held back, even repressed. This makes the moments of violent outburst even more shocking. The most extraordinary collision of sounds is in the honking, searing Sahat, for a quartet of saxophone, electric guitar. percussion and piano.

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