À LA FRANÇAISE

Yet their styles and the way they left their mark on their era are so different… The former was so innovative, yet still imbued with a certain nostalgia for Romanticism; the latter was capable of a style that defied categorisation, with ‘exotic’ and, at times, jazz influences. Yet both were incredible masters of timbre, blending seamlessly into their era, which saw the birth of the Impressionist movement as well as a revival of French Classicism. Ten years apart, they each composed their one and only string quartet – two dazzling masterpieces of masterful craftsmanship; how proud we can be!

The Franco-Venezuelan Reynaldo Hahn is less well known for his instrumental music than for his vocal works, but this first quartet, composed in 1939, reveals a style of absolutely delightful melodic charm. Whilst he is known for his romantic relationship with Marcel Proust, here he gives us a nod to his friendship with Alphonse Daudet through the movement entitled *Récit et chanson de Provence*. A discovery to be savoured to your heart’s content.