What the critics say:
York Bowen re-released on Naxos august 2014: “Indeed from the first note they fairly explode with feeling and energy, turning each phrase into a gleaming gem. This is quartet playing on an extraordinarily high level, and I hope to hear more of them in the future.”
“Archaeus musicians give their souls up to the feeling and spirit of the music, transcending the mere playing of their instruments to become the single instrument of York Bowen’s musical thoughts and feelings.”
“Is it my imagination, or does Archaeus almost make this music “swing” in the first movement? They certainly have a way of playing that circumvents stiff or traditional phrasing. This disc is a winner from start to finish, and you can be certain that I will be on the lookout for any future releases by this quartet.”
- Fanfare : Lynn Rene Bayley
Cyril Scott: “A fine quartet capture the vitality and melancholy of this composer’s soundworld”
“This is fascinating music and very persuasively played, too: the Archaeus Quartet respond to its harmonic freedom, catching its vitality and delicate evocation. Tony Faulkner’s recording has tangible prescence”
- Gramophone
York Bowen: “Beautifully realised by the Archaeus Quartet, whose intonation and sense of style are impeccable throughout this disc”
- International Record Review
“I’m happy to report that the Archaeus Quartet who left such a favourable impression with their discs of music by Leonard Salzedo (Dutton, 3/02) and Minna Keal (Lorelt, 7/97), are sterling advocates of all this rewarding material. Timothy Lines, too, contributes most sensitively to the quartet, and the sound is vivid to match. A stimulating and enjoyable release”
- Gramophone
Salzedo: “Strong scores with plenty to say, technically taxing but well written and
performed here with consummate understanding”
“The music is absorbing, the performances wholly in tune with its spirit and the sound ideal”
- Editor’s Choice: Gramophone
“Judging by these performances, the Archaeus Quartet are magnificent advocates of Salzedo’s work, an opinion obviously shared by the composer himself for it was in response to their premiere of his 7th quartet that he wrote his final three quartets, all specifically written for the Archaeus”
- Classical Music Web : Christopher Thomas
“I have collaborated with the Archaeus Quartet in performance, and listened to them also in the concert hall. They are a committed group of excellent instrumentalists, who bring their varied musical experiences together in a serious way, and rehearse honestly and constructively. This serves them well in the great classics of the repertoire, which are such a touchstone. They have a strong musical personality and grip of overall shape, freeing them to react emotionally and spontaneously at the performance. The listener (or fifth player) feels drawn into this vital current. I have no hesitation in recommending them.”
- Thea King OBE
“The Archaeus Quartet gave a performance that was both sensitive and committed”
“Exhilarating playing”
- The Strad
“Deeply committed performance by the Archaeus Quartet”
- The Independent
