Stephen Dodgson

String Quartet no.3 (1989)
Quintet for guitar & string quartet (1973)CO
String Quartet no.4 (1993)

The Tippett Quartet
John Mills (violin); Jeremy Isaac (violin); Maxine Moore (viola); Bozidar Vukotic (cello)

COCraig Ogden (guitar)

Recorded at St Silas Church, Chalk Farm, London, 9-11 January 2007 & 31 January 2008

The Tippett Quartet's survey of the string quartets of Stephen Dodgson reaches its second volume with the Third and Fourth Quartets and the Quintet for Guitar and String Quartet. This is essentially lyrical music with graceful melodic lines, and the five movements of the Fourth Quartet can each be played as separate works. The Guitar Quintet features the Australian guitarist Craig Ogden, who brings a mercurial lightness to the virtuoso writing of the scherzo and a lyrical interplay with the strings in the outer movement. He draws a rich variety of sound in the finale, leading to a resounding climax. Yet another richly rewarding chamber music release from Dutton Epoch.

CDLX 7214

“I found myself asking why this music is not so much better known. The Third Quartet from 1989 is an impressive and enthralling work.”
“... as for the Guitar Quintet, this is quite simply a masterpiece. Craig Ogden is the fine guitarist here and the recording quality is first-rate.”
Robert Matthew-Walker, International Record Review, January 2009