New Arts International

- first volume of a serie

- the four string trios on this first CD are short, varied and generally very playful, with a certain joie de vivre. The form of the individual movements is recognizably classical in structure with occasional contrapuntal episodes.

- a unique feature of these works is its numerous references to traditional Dutch tunes and dances

This wonderful project of discovering, performing and recording the complete 3 string trios by Julius Röntgen has been a truly monumental and tremendous experience for us; to present this first disc is a dream come true. Our journey began in 2007 when we stumbled across Röntgen's first string trio (the only one published to date), and soon after discovered that there are fifteen more, carefully stored in handwritten manuscript form in the Netherlands Music Institute in the Hague. Intrigued, we began to investigate further, and to our astonishment realised that none of these wonderful works had been performed in public, let alone recorded. It has been a privilege to be the first ensemble to rediscover these string trios which have been archived in the library for over 80 years. Reading and playing from the old handwritten scores, instead of the usual computer-published sheet music we are used to, has added a very personal touch to the journey. Thanks to the Kersjes Prize and Champs Hill Records we have been able to record and bring to life this colourful and captivating music, which we hope you will 11 enjoy as much as we do.

String Trios Nos. 1 - 4