Providing an overview of almost a century, this album reflects the aspirations of Polish nationalism through the works of three pivotal figures. Karol Kurpiński laid the foundations of a national style and his Fantasy for String Quartet is both serious and ingenious in design. Zygmunt Noskowski, considered the country’s leading composer during the last decade of his life, was a mentor to future generations and crafted a witty piece on a theme of Viotti, including the use of a polacca. Stanisław Moniuszko’s quartets balance the hymnal with the rustic, being lively, unexpected and bracing.

The Lutosławski Quartet was established in 2007 and is one of Poland’s leading string quartets. They have recorded two volumes of Bacewicz’s quartets for Naxos which can be heard on 8572806: ‘The brilliant young Lutosławskis are captivating in the dancing wistfulness of her first, folk-inflected quartet, the questing, inventive grace of the 1960s works and the irresistible vivacity of No. 3’ (BBC Music Magazine).

Vol.2 (8572807) was also praised by The Strad: ‘These four musicians deliver… technically accomplished, vivid performances and eager sense of storytelling…exceptionally fine performances, shot through with brilliant clarity of execution and thought, and captured in warm, faithful sound.’

Moniuszko’s overtures are on 8572716, conducted by leading Naxos personality Antoni Wit; ‘There is a lovely grace and elegance to much of this music, and Wit captures it with a lighter touch than others. The Warsaw Philharmonic is a front-rank orchestra, and this music is in their blood…In sum, this is a delight’, wrote Fanfare.