Highly respected as an educator, Jacques Hétu was also one of the most frequently performed of all contemporary Canadian composers. His earlier hallmarks of polytonality and harmonic tension were rooted in European influences, and as his work matured it became increasingly lyrical and virtuosic. The First String Quartet sees Hétu’s emerging style combine 20th-century techniques with a neo-romantic harmonic language, while the more personal Second Quartet concludes with a hauntingly beautiful Andante in memory of the composer’s mother. The lyrical Sérénade evokes the tranquility of a starry summer’s night. Hétu’s witty Adagio and Rondo was his first foray into string quartet writing, while the masterful Sextet was his final chamber work for strings.
This is a splendid release on all counts. The New Orford String Quartet and their colleagues strongly commit themselves to these often quite beautiful works. Their neatly prepared readings are all caught in excellent sound. I must also mention the quartet's viola player Eric Nowlin's well-documented insert notes.
Works Hétu: Adagio and Rondo, Op. 3, No. 1a Hétu: Scherzo, Op. 54 Hétu: Serenade, Op. 45 Hétu: Sextet, Op. 71 Hétu: String Quartet No. 1, Op. 19th Hétu: String Quartet No. 2, op. 50 Groups & Artists Hutchins, Timothy New Orford String Quartet
57 Akadimias Street, Athens
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