The four pieces for string quartet recorded here, including a quintet with
trombone and clarinet respectively, span a period of 1997-2011. Separately
commissioned, the compositions have their own identity. At the same time, a multitude
of relationships resonate across the works, contributing to a cyclical quality to the
project as a whole. The two string quartets, throughcomposed in a single movement,
unfold in juxtapositions of contrasting sections. The two quintets, constructed in
multiple movements, were commissioned by two remarkable musicians: Jeremy Berkman and François Houle. Their
musical personalities and special skills are embedded in each quintet. Listeners may
experience a variety of subtle or more powerful points of contact linking the works
on the disc. Certainly for me the compositional process was cumulative, as if each
successive work was speaking with and carrying further the experiences of what
happened before.
I cannot say that I fell in love with composing for the string quartet from the
beginning. Rather, the string quartet seemed to find me, entering into my creative
life at periods of intensity in my own life-experience. The intimacy of composing for
two violins, a viola and cello has been a challenge and a gift at these times, giving
me the opportunity to focus and perhaps intensify the contrasts in my compositional
thinking, as if shooting a film in black and white. I am thankful to the Quatuor Bozzini for joining me on this project and for commissioning a
new work for the recording. Creating a quartet especially for them, taking into
account their musical intelligence and potent interpretation, has made the collection
of works complete.
“Taken as a whole, this CD presents a solid compositional voice from
Underhill and showcases excellent musicians”
I Care if You Listen (USA), February 2013
“Excellent readings by the Montreal-based Bozzini
Quartet (violinists Clemens Merkel and Mira Benjamin, violist Stephanie Bozzini, and
cellist Isabelle Bozzini), whose devotion to new music —
particularly in their annual Composers Kitchen — is laudable.”
American Record Guide (USA), September 2012
“… textures are so transparent that light shines through and timbres are so
tangible you can almost reach out and touch them.”
Gramophone (UK), September 2012
“… proved both a welcome sample of his recent work and a demonstration of his
personal journey as a composer.”
The Vancouver Sun (Canada), March 2012
“The Bozzini Quartet provides haunting interpretations
of Underhill’s third and fourth string quartets, which
sneak up on the heart via the head.”
The Globe and Mail (Canada), February 2012