|
Earrelevant.net 25/02/2026: Danish String Quartet brings together Schnittke, Greenwood, and Ravel in Spivey Hall recital
Schnittke’s String Quartet No. 2 is arresting precisely because it does almost nothing—yet every detail feels exposed and consequential. …The musicians resisted the temptation to exaggerate Schnittke’s contrasts, instead allowing the music’s tension to accumulate organically. Sustained lines emerged from silence and dissolved back into it with remarkable control,…
Greenwood’s suite shifted the program’s perspective from sacred austerity to psychological drama, and the quartet approached his music with evident affinity. They leaned into its oscillations between fragile stillness and nervous energy, capturing the sense of suspended tension that defines the score.… Rather than treating the suite as an anomaly in a classical program, the quartet integrated it seamlessly into the concert’s broader emotional arc.
Ravel String Quartet - …Their interpretation emphasized clarity and elegance, allowing Ravel’s intricate interplay to emerge naturally….
Throughout the afternoon, the Danish String Quartet demonstrated a rare combination of intellectual rigor and expressive immediacy. Their programming illuminated unexpected connections between composers separated by decades and aesthetic outlook, while their playing revealed an ensemble capable of transforming stylistic contrasts into a unified artistic statement. In Spivey Hall’s exceptional acoustic, the effect was both intimate and deeply compelling. Mark Gresham – Review in full
ClevelandClassical.com 25/11/2025: Oberlin Artist Recital Series presents the Danish String Quartet
Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 16 in F major, Op. 135 revealed the Scandinavians’ soul. It is farewell-music — Beethoven’s final quartet — but the players avoided heaviness. Their phrasing was supple, the tempos fleet, and the humor in the outer movements genuinely light, suggesting a composer looking back with clarity rather than sorrow. The soul of the work lies in the third movement Lento, where the Quartet hovered in some other realm with soft-toned understatement. … It was deeply moving without being performative — precisely that Danish blend of warmth and inner-directedness.
… a set of Nordic songs and dances from the Faroe Islands, Norway, and Sweden. … What unified them was the sheer joy of the DSQ’s playing: earthy, physical, mostly fast, yet always marked by the quartet’s characteristic finesse. Kevin McLaughlin – Review in full
Seen And Heard-int 24/11/2025: There Will Be Blood-y Stravinsky and much more: the Danish String Quartet impresses in Oberlin
Lest anyone think the quartet only specializes in modern music, they turned in an outstanding performance of Beethoven’s final string quartet, …. The group played with warmth and tenderness in the lyrical slow movement, changing to chill as the questioning introduction to the finale undermined the serene mood. Through the entire range of the work the Danes played with poise, focus and commitment.
The second half of the concert was given over to original compositions and traditional tunes not credited in the program, …. These well-shaped arrangements mix folk fiddling, classical textures and a drive approaching pop dance music, as evidenced by the swaying and head-nodding students.
The momentum was irresistible, and the end of the concert was met with a standing (and stomping) ovation. …An outstanding concert, and we must hope their first visit to Oberlin will not be their last. Mark Sebastian Jordan – Review in full
The Millbrook Independent 16/11/2024: Danish String Quartet Delivers Wondrous Soundscape
… They opened with String Quartet, Op. 20, #3 in G minor, a lively, witty dinner conversation between four intelligent men discussing social affairs. …Fredrik Schøyen Sjӧlin on cello delivered stern comic replies to Frederik Øland on first violin who floated in genial, exuberant narcissism while the ladies in the background gossiped about who was having affairs and upcoming social events. Tonsgaard Sørensen on second violin was appropriately inquisitive and vain while Asbjørn Nørgaard on viola soberly admitted that things were a bit more complex than the Queen thought while delivering layers of nuanced gossip. This quartet is a favorite of mine and this was the most delicious version I have heard. Stravinsky Three Pieces for String Quartet (1914, rev. 1918) - … This is the most hilarious quartet ever written. There is no way words can describe the amusing anarchy played with such exquisite gusto! Schubert Quartet no.15 in G-major, D. 887 - …This work remains extremely difficult to play, and this quartet played with impressive, astonishing unity. … Frederik Øland on first violin and Fredrik Schøyen Sjӧlin on cello excelled high and low to deliver a most memorable performance! Kevin T McEneaney – Review in full
The Strad October 2024: Danish Quartet wins Léonie Sonning Music Prize - The Danish Quartet is the first ensemble to win the award, for having ’created an original musical identity that serves as an inspiration to other musicians and unleashes musical energy beyond genres.’… With a performance style marked by great authority and sensitivity, where classical chamber music, brand new compositions, and Nordic folk music are equally integrated, they have created an original musical identity that serves as an inspiration to other musicians and unleashes musical energy beyond genres.’ Article
October 2024 : Danish String Quartet receives the Léonie Sonning Music Prize 2025
For the first time ever, one of the world’s leading classical music prizes is awarded to an ensemble. This year’s recipients are the four innovative and internationally acclaimed musicians who make up the Danish String Quartet. They are receiving the prize for having “created an original musical identity that serves as an inspiration to other musicians and unleashes musical energy beyond genres”. … For more information please visit next link
Edisons Winnaar Kamermuziek 2024: CD Prism V - Danish String Quartet
Op Prism V heeft het Danish String Quartet een laat Beethoven kwartet gekoppeld aan een ander belangrijk werk uit de kwartetliteratuur en aan Bach. Ook hier doen ze dat fenomenaal. Hun spel, met minutieuze aandacht voor frasering en timbre, is even warm als glashelder….. Een geschenk voor de discografie. Artikel
The Strad 20/09/2024: CD Keel Road - A foray into folk is another winner for this Nordic quartet
… Keel Road is their third album of that ilk: it’s an ambitious undertaking, but the Danish players pull it off with inspired insights and sheer exuberance…. …It’s a disc of quiet revelations and arrangements that are as exquisitely crafted as they are captivating, performed with abundant spirit and conviction, and captured in warm, close sound. David Kettle – Review in full
Watch: The Danish Quartet performs ‘Once a shoemaker’ (featuring a clog fiddle!)
Watch: The Danish Quartet performs ‘Danny Boy’
Watch: Danish Quartet performs Last Leaf
De Volkskrant 12/09/2024: CD Keel Road - Met het verrassende ‘Keel Road’ bedient het Danish String Quartet liefhebbers van klassiek én folk
…. Kom je uit de klassiek, dan hoor je volksmuziek puntgaaf uitgeserveerd. Ben je juist een folkie, dan merk je dat zo’n strak ogend strijkkwartet niets inlevert aan swing. Vitaliteit is het sleutelwoord, van stampdans tot mijmerij. Guido van Oorschot - Recensie
BR-Klassik 31/08/2024 : Album der Woche – "Keel Road"
Stimmungsvolle und atmosphärische Arrangements - In eigenen, wunderbar stimmungsvollen und atmosphärischen Arrangements spielen die Vier traditionelle Volksmusik aus Dänemark und Norwegen, von den Faröer Inseln, aus Irland und England. ...
Überschäumende Lebensfreude - Auf wundersame Weise bleibt in diesen Streichquartett-Arrangements die tiefe Melancholie, genauso die überschäumende Lebensfreude und wilde Tanzseligkeit der originalen Lieder und nordischen Balladen erhalten. Sie nehmen uns mit auf eine musikalische Zeitreise, auf der man das Danish String Quartet gerne mehr als einmal begleitet. Oswald Beaujean - Resenzion
Rtbf 31/08/2024: CD Keel Road - Le Choix Musiq3 de la semaine l’album "Keel Road"
…, un voyage musical à travers toute une série d’arrangements de musiques traditionnelles danoise, anglaises ou irlandaises. Ces arrangements du violoniste Rune Tonsgaard Sorensen sont très réussis : sobres, clairs, dans une maîtrise parfaite du quatuor à cordes et de ses exigences. … le Danish String Quartet porte un soin, une qualité de son et d’exécution tout à fait superlative à ces musiques traditionnelles. Ça danse, ça chante, ça fait pleurer, ce disque est un modèle d’abolition des frontières entre les genres musicaux. Pierre Solo - Article
KlassikAkzente 28/08/2024: Musikalische Schatzkarte des Nordens — Das Danish String Quartet kehrt zu seinen folkloristischen Wurzeln zurück
...“Keel Road” ist nach “Wood Works” und “Last Leaf” das dritte Folk-Album des Danish String Quartet. Was es auszeichnet, ist die klangliche Reife, die das Ensemble im Laufe der Jahre gewonnen hat. Womöglich wirkt hier auch die fünfteilige PRISM-Reihe nach, in der sich die Gruppe zuletzt jahrelang intensiv mit Beethovens späten Streichquartetten, komplexen Bach-Fugen und atmosphärisch ähnlich gelagerten Werken avantgardistischer Komponisten befasst hatte. Resenzion
Stretto 11/08/2024: CD Keel Road
Alweer een unieke, bijzonder originele cd, “Keel Road”, door het Danish String Quartet, …Niet te missen! ... Hun nieuwe cd “Keel Road” is het vervolg op “Last Leaf”, de release van het Deens Strijkkwartet uit 2017, die Klassiek Album van het Jaar was bij NPR en een beste van het jaar-selectie bij publicaties van de New York Times tot Gramophone. “Keel Road” onderstreept de verklaring van de groep dat “volksmelodieën niet alleen een deel van ons repertoire zijn, maar een belangrijk element van onze identiteit als muzikanten”. Subtiel geïntegreerd in het verloop van de opname, naast het traditionele materiaal, zijn originele composities van Rune Tonsgaard Sorensen en Fredrik Schoyen Sjolin, welsprekend expressief in een folkidioom. Andere hoogtepunten zijn de verleidelijke arrangementen van de DSQ van vier composities van Turlough O’Carolan, de legendarische, blinde harpist uit het Ierse County Meath. Michel Dutrieue - Recensie
Seen & Heard-Int 8/08/2024: New Art from Old: the Danish String Quartet present a final gift from Schubert and a wreath from Adès
…Their approach to established repertoire is fresh and dynamic, with a fierce attention to detail, interpretative vigour and cohesion.
All these qualities and more were evidenced by an utterly sublime rendition of the C minor Quintet - …, the 50-minute journey began with a glisteningly clear, gloriously lyrical and dramatic opening Allegro, in which each instrumental line was perfectly articulated without sacrificing overall harmonic balance. Next came a serenely meditative Adagio blended with deep yearning and flashes of white-hot intensity. Lingering melancholy was instantly banished by the third movement, an ecstatic Scherzo, played with joyfully rustic abandon, while a robust final Allegretto led to a glittering quicksilver conclusion.
Adès’s Wreath - … Adès describes it as ‘a gradually unfolding “lifespan” of entwined “blooms”, in which the players are loosely coordinated, but within specific boundaries, so that no two performances are the same’. A first hearing revealed a delicately attenuated Schubertian soundworld, suggestive of rustling leaves and the unbroken ebb and flow of water, and beautifully woven together by an individually liberated yet tightly knit ensemble of master musicians. ….Wonderfully played, …Chris Sallon - Review in full
Capital Current.ca 7/08/2024: Danish String Quartet captures the heart and soul of Chamberfest with delightful classics and modern adaptations
Schubert’s quintet is simply epic. …. The piece often changed mood, but not in a jarring way. The five players navigated the ebb and flow of the ever-changing melody with grace and care. The group’s respect and appreciation for the music was palpable and their clear connection and friendship kept the audience thoroughly engaged. The Adagio was arguably the best, diving to earthly depths and soaring into the cosmos. The interpretation of this iconic movement was a masterful demonstration of five musical voices. … final Allegretto - The music was grand, majestic and hopeful, a fitting conclusion to a timeless work. The quintet was delightful in their self-assuredness, full of vitality and confidence. The score was expertly layered and the quintet made the melody something truly memorable.
Adès’ Wreath for Franz Schubert - … The piece was immediately defined by its flowing, ever-changing dynamics. … Ethereal and ambient, the music rose in emotive swells and constantly building upon itself. The quintet played with gratitude and sensitivity, weaving the music into a delicate lace tapestry.
Schubert’s Winterreise, D.911, No. 23 - Die Nebensonnen, arranged by R. T. Sørensen. This short piece was distinct and full, offering a melodic contrast to the Adès. The musicians earned an immediate standing ovation following their deeply fulfilling performance. Audrey Gunn – Review in full
The Berkshire Edge 6/08/2024: How to perform a masterpiece: A lesson from Schubert and the Danish String Quartet
Schubert, Quintet in C major, D. 956 - …There are numerous fine recordings of this piece: Every important string quartet, supplemented by the best cellists in the world, has performed and recorded it, recognizing the challenge that it offers. And yet, this is the only rendition I have experienced that convincingly solves the huge challenges that Schubert throws at his players. ….Where the Danish players go beyond this is that they listen to and adjust what they are doing with the ensemble on a micro level: To the listener, that means they are playing as one all the time. The amount of internal listening and mutual adjustment is extraordinary.
In practice, that means that their control over dynamics and tone color is breathtaking and, most importantly, always in service of elucidating the structure and beauty of the music. … The intonation was impeccable and unmarred by audible vibrato. The success of the players in achieving this meant that in less than one bar, a hushed and intensely mesmerizing atmosphere was established almost immediately. ….
Adés Wreath for Franz Schubert - …. There were many beautiful, very subtle details, with extremely delicate dynamics and shadings; the music swelled and subsided in waves that felt cyclical—another way that the music formed a wreath. It was a subtle and touching tribute to Schubert, … Larry Wallach – Review in full
The Strad 3/07/2024: Danish Quartet, Johannes Rostamo (cello)
Concert of the 18th of April at the Zankel Hall in New York’s Carnegie Hall
The inimitable Danish Quartet was joined by Finnish cellist Johannes Rostamo for a night of exquisite music-making at Carnegie Hall. The opening Allegro of Schubert’s magnificent C major String Quintet was mesmerising from the first chord – its energy, bow speed and vibrato all immaculately matched among the players. This movement was a study in unhurried elegance – every note, every phrase given with care and attention. The start to the Adagio was bravely quiet, while the F minor middle section was appropriately formidable. Joy and humour characterised the Scherzo, which was followed by a stately Trio. In the finale, delicate arpeggios contrasted with moments of rusticity to magical effect.
…The programme concluded with an arrangement of ‘Die Nebensonnen’ from Winterreise, played with exquisite beauty and generosity of sound, followed by an encore by Carl Nielsen – an arrangement of the melancholy song Underlige Aftenlufte performed with the same transcendent beauty that epitomised the entire evening. Leah Hollingsworth – Review in full
Seen & Heard-International 21/04/2024: Two outstanding performances of chamber music at Carnegie Hall
Adès Wreath for Franz Schubert - … What distinguishes Adès’s composition is the continual evolution of harmony. Unlike the stability found in rhythm and dynamics, the harmonies undergo constant transformation without any easy identifiable repetition. ... There is a constant interplay as the instruments react to each other’s phrases in a parameterized manner, dynamically affecting the length of the performance.
The rendition of Schubert’s String Quintet, one of the absolute masterpieces in the history of chamber music, did not deviate from expectations. …, it was a performance of great nobility with each phrase beautifully shaped. Special transitional moments were executed with remarkable naturalness, such as the seamless modulation to a distant D-flat major in the Trio section of the third movement, or the insertion of an anxiety-laden section, rich in expressiveness, within the Adagio. Edward Sava-Segal – Review in full
Concertonet April 2024 : Strings of Heavenly Breadth
…Last night, DSQ produced three incarnations of Franz Schubert. First the C Major Quintet, next a strange work inspired by the same work. Third a transcription from that unearthly Winterreise. With two of them, we were moved. With one of them, we were merely fascinated.
The DSQ, with guest cellist Johannes Rostamo, have, beside faultless technique, an empathy which is unique. Whether the solo violin for the Schubert second movement or the balance of double pizzicato for Thomas Adès’ Wreath – for Franz Schubert, or that mysterious C Major opening, they had more than balance. They parted ways for the solos. During the most intricate five-way counterpoint, each instrument was enounced, five colors blended into one tapestry.
…Outside of a delicious Danish folk song as encore, the final work was a quintet arrangement from the most beautiful song cycle ever written, Schubert’s Winterreise, by violinist Rune Tonsgaard Sørensen. The words of this penultimate song are plainly surrealistic (“I saw three suns in the sky;/I gazed at them long and intently/And they, too, stood there so fixedly,/as if unwilling to leave me”). The music was partly lyrical, partly hypnotic, and like all of Schubert, transcending words of description.
If the Quintet was condensed to quark size, rather than the actual near hour of earthly time, the three‑minute “Mock Suns” seemed eternal. The Danish String Quartet played both with equal intensity. Light and darkness, heaven, hell and purgatory juggling with each other. Like Haydn lifting his hands to the celestial firmament, DSQ’s notes came from “Up There.” Harry Rolnick – Review in full
De Volkskrant 29/01/2024: De Strijkkwartet Biënnale in het Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ in Amsterdam beleefde een grandioos openingsweekend
… Het startschot komt van het Danish String Quartet, zaterdagavond : vier hechte vrienden die zich op het podium stuk voor stuk onderschikt maken aan het geheel. Alsof elke muzikale keuze een collectieve is en eventuele repetities vooral voor de gezelligheid zijn geweest. Het resultaat is een net zo spannened als toegankelijk programma de dansbare Three Divertimenti (B Britten), breekbare verhaaltjes in de Four Quarters (Th Adès) en Der Tod und das Mädchen, Schuberts beangstigende meersterwerk. Dennis Weijers
NRC.nl 27/01/2024 - Openingsconcert Strijkkwartet Biënnale - Beoordeling 5/5
…. En dan wordt het einde van dat tweede deel ineens zo’n zeldzame maar o zo verslavende ervaring van een concert in de buitencategorie; een ervaring die begint bij het moment dat je je ogen niet meer open krijgt, als je ze dicht hebt, en niet meer dicht als je ze open hebt. Ogen? Wat zijn ogen? Dan is de wereld, de tijd, en je lichaam gewoon even weg. Ze spelen subliem, alles verstillend. Er is alleen dat kwartet, die muziek, nu, hier. Rahul Gandolahage
top |