Presented by Leo Samama.
In 1922, John McEwen noticed he didn’t belong anywhere musically. Too modern for older people, not modern enough for young people. His music was English, Schottish, and even a little French. We can hear a peculiar mix of styles and techniques in the second (Larghetto) and the third part (Allegretto) in the Eighth string quartet from 1918. We can hear the French influence in the Sixth string quartet in A major, nicknamed Biskaje, which he composed during his stay in Cap Ferret at Arcachon.
Frederick Delius’ music has the same problem. He is from Germany, but his love for Scandinavian, French, German, and English music influenced him greatly. He composed the String quartet in E minor during World War I. Delius wasn’t happy after the first performance and thoroughly revised it, from a three-parter to a four-parter.
John Blackwood McEwen (1868-1948) – String quartet no. 8, in E-flat major (1918)
(2) Larghetto, (3) Allegretto
Performed by: Chilingirian Quartet
CD: Chandos
Frederick Delius (1862-1934) – String quartet in E minor (version 1917)
(1) With animation, (2) Quick and lightly, (3) Late Swallows: Slow and wistfully, (4) Very quick and vigorously
Performed by: Villiers Quartet
CD: Naxos
John Blackwood McEwen (1868-1948) – String quartet no. 6, in A major ‘Biscay’ (1913)
(1) Le Phare: Allegro maestoso – Tranquillo – Tempo I, (2) Les Dunes: Andante mesto, (3) La Racleuse: Vivace – Allegretto leggero
Performed by: Chilingirian Quartet
CD: Chandos
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