Frank Bridge

Lisztianwagner · May 30, 2025, 08:34:32 AM

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 · May 30, 2025, 06:13:03 PM

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 · May 30, 2025, 07:27:35 PM

Quote from: Lisztianwagner on May 30, 2025, 08:34:32 AMI'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.

Quote from: Madiel on May 30, 2025, 06:13:03 PMLate 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 · May 30, 2025, 08:00:03 PM

Quote from: Der lächelnde Schatten on May 30, 2025, 07:27:35 PMI 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 · May 31, 2025, 06:20:45 AM

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: