Full Audio Library
Bartók, Béla
Béla Bartók (1881 - 1945) was a Hungarian composer and ethnomusicologist known for collecting and recording folk music of countries such as Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, and Algeria. His compositions are infused with folk rhythms, melodies, and harmonies, and his six string quartets are icons in the string quartet canon.
Beethoven, Ludwig Van
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 - 1827) is one of the most important composers in the history of Western classical music. His sixteen string quartets span the transition from the classical to the romanic periods, and push the boundaries of composition in multiple ways. His string quartets remain some of the most challenging and fulfilling works for the ensemble.
BOCCHERINI, luigi
Luigi Boccherini (1743-1805) was an Italian composer and cellist. Boccherini’s quartets tend to feature the cello, possibly due to his own virtuosity on the cello. He also pioneered the cello quintet, an ensemble that features two violins, two violas, and two cellos. In total, Boccherini wrote over one hundred cello quintets, almost one hundred string quartets, and a dozen guitar quintets.
Eryilmaz, Erberk
Erberk Eryılmaz (b. 1989) is a Turkish composer and performer. His works are recognized for bringing the energy of the folk music of his homeland to the concert stage with a creative and dramatic approach. Carpe Diem’s recording, Dances of the Yogurt Maker is the first professional recording of his string chamber works and will be released on the Naxos label in 2021.
Frank, Gabriela Lena
Gabriela Lena Frank (b. 1972) is a multicultural composer who explores her heritage through her compositions. Her works are inspired by Béla Bartók and Alberto Ginastera, and reflect Latin American poetry, mythology, and native musical styles into a Western classical framework.
fujiwara, korine
Korine Fujiwara (b. 20th century) is an American composer who’s works have been described as containing “a very rare attribute in contemporary classical music: Happiness.” (Fanfare Magazine). The quartet is incredibly grateful to have her as the violist of the quartet, and is privileged to perform her works.
Golijov, Osvaldo
Gunther, John
John Gunther (b. 20th century) is a composer and multi-instrumentalist. With restless musical spirit, he explores all forms of jazz from traditional to avant-garde as well as classical music. world music, and experimental electronic music.
Heins, John
Leshnoff, Jonathan
Johnathan Leshnoff (b. 20th century) is a Grammy-nominated composer renowned for his music’s striking harmonies, structural complexity, and powerful themes. Carpe Diem has featured Leshnoff’s works at Carnegie Hall, and has recently recorded a selection of his string quartets.
Midkiff, Jeff
Jeff Midkiff (b. 20th century) is a composer, mandolinist, and clarinetist. His works are known as melodic, accessible, and both crowd-pleasing and pretentiously sophisticated. Carpe Diem has enjoyed recording Midkiff’s works and performing with him at Carnegie Hall.
Rautavaara, Einojuhani
Einojuhani Rautavaara (1928 - 2016) is among the most notable Finnish composers since Jean Sibelius. His works span a large range of classical styles, from 12-tone serial music to neo-romantic to post-modern. His wide range of styles insure that there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Taneyev, Sergi
Sergi Taneyev (1856 - 1915) was a Russian composer, pianist, and teacher known for mentoring Pyotr Tchaikovsky. Taneyev’s works illustrate his masterful composition technique and beautiful expressivity. His nine string quartets are featured by Carpe Diem String Quartet on the Naxos Label.
Vali, Reza
Reza Vali (b. 1952) is an Iranian composer whose works combine Iranian folk music and western classical music with modernist treatment. Many of his works move away from the Western 12 note scale, and incorporate microtonal modes that embody the aural qualities of Middle Eastern cultures. Carpe Diem has been honored to record and perform Vali’s numerous string quartets.
Vine, Carl
Carl Vine (b. 1954) is one of Australia’s best known composers. He has an extensive range of chamber music, alongside various work for film, television, dance, and theatre. In addition to being a composer of modern art music, he has also arranged the Australian National Anthem and wrote the music for the Olympic Games Closing Ceremony, 1996.