WALTER BRAUNFELS (1882-1954): String Quintet in F Sharp Minor, Op. 63, RICHARD STRAUSS (1864-1949): Metamorphosen, (arr. 7 strings Rudolf Leopold [b.1954]).

Description: The coupling is because both works were finished in 1945 amidst the ruins of war. You know what Metamorphosen sounds like (although you may wonder who needs a version for seven strings); Braunfels is much more full of nervous energy, conveyed by much chromaticism and taut rhythms while even the scherzo and rondo finale are rife with angst. This four movement work, lasting just under 40 minutes, the notes tell us, was written at a time when the composer was busy digging an air-raid shelter for his family! Gringolts Quartet, Ryszard Groblewski (viola), Dariusz Mizera (double bass), David Geringas (cello).