Frank Bridge

[Lisztianwagner]

I've recently listened to Bridge's String Quartets No.3 and 4, quite a surprise since I didn't expect they were so tense, angular and changing, with such a prominent use of the dissonance; I don't think I've ever heard a British composer so influenced by Expressionism before. Anyway, they are captivating and mesmerizing, the style of those works reminds me of Bartók, Berg as well as Zemlinsky's late Quartets.

[Madiel]

Late Bridge is superb, especially late chamber works - those two string quartets, and piano trio no.2. I also need to get my hands on the late violin sonata.

But yes, he's one of those composers that underwent huge stylistic changes.

[Der lächelnde Schatten]

I've recently listened to Bridge's String Quartets No.3 and 4, quite a surprise since I didn't expect they were so tense, angular and changing, with such a prominent use of the dissonance; I don't think I've ever heard a British composer so influenced by Expressionism before. Anyway, they are captivating and mesmerizing, the style of those works reminds me of Bartók, Berg as well as Zemlinsky's late Quartets.

Late Bridge is superb, especially late chamber works - those two string quartets, and piano trio no.2. I also need to get my hands on the late violin sonata.

But yes, he's one of those composers that underwent huge stylistic changes.

I will definitely be exploring Bridge's late chamber works. Presto Classical is offering a sale on Naxos recordings for great prices, so I bought the Maggini Quartet's traversal of Bridge's SQs plus a recording with the two Piano Trios. Since I'm no longer buying CDs and these were at such a discounted prices, I decided it was worth it.

[Madiel]

I will definitely be exploring Bridge's late chamber works. Presto Classical is offering a sale on Naxos recordings for great prices, so I bought the Maggini Quartet's traversal of Bridge's SQs plus a recording with the two Piano Trios. Since I'm no longer buying CDs and these were at such a discounted prices, I decided it was worth it.

I'm sure you will enjoy. The Naxos recordings are very good.

[Der lächelnde Schatten]

Of the chamber music, I wanted to point out that I own CDs of three Hyperion recordings. Probably my favorite so far is this disc:

[kyjo]

Recently I witnessed an excellent live performance of Bridge's String Sextet (1906-12). I've enjoyed this work before, but it impressed me even more after hearing this live performance! The first movement, in particular, has some of the lushest, most succulent harmonies and textures ever conjured up in a chamber work. The second movement has somber, reflective outer sections underpinned by a dark, low ostinato in the cello. For contrast, the middle section is tremendously energetic with sparks flying in all directions (I was reminded of similar scherzo-like sections in his "Phantasie" piano trio and piano quartet). I find that the inspiration burns on a slightly lower flame in the third and final movement, but it still provides a finely crafted, optimistic conclusion to the work. 

[Symphonic Addict]

Recently I witnessed an excellent live performance of Bridge's String Sextet (1906-12). I've enjoyed this work before, but it impressed me even more after hearing this live performance! The first movement, in particular, has some of the lushest, most succulent harmonies and textures ever conjured up in a chamber work. The second movement has somber, reflective outer sections underpinned by a dark, low ostinato in the cello. For contrast, the middle section is tremendously energetic with sparks flying in all directions (I was reminded of similar scherzo-like sections in his "Phantasie" piano trio and piano quartet). I find that the inspiration burns on a slightly lower flame in the third and final movement, but it still provides a finely crafted, optimistic conclusion to the work. 

I hadn't heard this work in a while. It's sheer hedonistic English late-Romanticism. I enjoyed it a lot. This was the performance I listened to: