Credits:

Blair String Quartet

Description:

These two string quartetscollages drawn from a variety of melodies, including hymns, folk songs, and classical masterpieces (such as Brahms Symphony No. 2, among others)are a must-listen for fans. The Blair String Quartet performs throughout the United States, including at the Aspen Music Festival.Charles Ives, a true New Englander in both birth and temperament, began composing at the age of 11, but after giving up on making a living through music, he went on to build a successful career in the insurance industry. He was taught music by his father, George, a bandleader, who paved the way for the innovative techniquessuch as polytonality, microtones, and spatial performancethat would later become synonymous with Ives. Ivess two string quartets are contrasting in both content and compositional inspiration. The No. 1 draws its musical inspiration from the revivalist movements and gospel hy