On July 5, the Protean Quartet released their latest CD "Tempus omnia vincit", an impressive collection of 12 carefully selected works that take the listener on a musical journey through different periods. The CD opens with "Pavan in g minor, Z. 752" and "Chanony in g minor, Z. 730" by Henry Purcell, both masterfully transcribed for quartet by the ensemble itself. These pieces are followed by Schubert's masterpiece, "String Quartet No. 4 in C", and a beautiful transcription of "Mille regretz" by Josquin des Prez.
The highlight of the CD is undoubtedly Schubert's "String Quartet No. 13 in a minor, opus 29, 'Rosamunde'", a piece rich in emotion and complexity. The CD concludes with "Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act V Dance", once again a transcription for quartet by the Protean Quartet, which highlights their versatility and ability to reinvent music.
The Protean Quartet, founded in 2018 in Basel, takes its name from the Greek sea god Proteus, which symbolizes their critical spirit and continuous dialogue with music and each other. Driven by curiosity and passion for "Historically Informed Performance", the ensemble focuses on rediscovering the stylistic, rhetorical and technical aspects of the musical language from Baroque to Romanticism.
The quartet consists of Javier Aguilar Bruno and Edi Kotler on violin, Ricard Gil Sánchez on viola and Clara Rada Gomez on cello. Their dedication to the quartet is also reflected in their collaborations with prominent baroque ensembles such as Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin and Lautten Compagney.
With their debut CD at Eudora Records in January 2023, nominated for the "Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik", and their recent debut recording with Linn Records in July 2024, the Protean Quartet has quickly made a name for themselves in the music world. In Belgium, the Protean Quartet made an impression with their performance of Mozart's "Dissonant Quartet" and Mendelssohn's "String Quartet in a minor, opus 13" in Hoegaarden, which was very much appreciated by the audience.
"Tempus omnia vincit" is a CD that brilliantly highlights the diverse skills and musical sensitivity of the Protean Quartet. Each track testifies to their technical mastery and profound understanding of both the historical context and the emotional core of the compositions. Their interpretations are not only meticulous and historically informed, but also radiate a fresh and original approach that never ceases to surprise and enchant the listener. The musical nuances and dynamics with which the quartet approaches each piece make this recording a compelling experience that will appeal to both the connoisseur and the newcomer to the classical music world. Thanks to this unique combination of authenticity and innovation, "Tempus omnia vincit" is a valuable addition to the collection of any classical music lover, and a testament to the exceptional talent and creative vision of the Protean Quartet.
The CD was produced by Linn Records and is available on all major streaming platforms. For an overview of where you can listen to this beautiful recording, visit this link (https://lnk.to/TempusOmniaVincit).