The string quartet repertoire is an unending voyage of discovery and exploration. The great masterpieces of the repertoire conceal unknown jewels in their shadow; these latter works, however, seldom find their way onto a concert programme. This recording introduces our listeners to our first and highly personal anthology of splendidlyvaried and short pieces for string quartet. We hope you enjoy them - because there are many more such works still to be discovered and enjoyed. “Our CD is a collection of short stories: each piece has its own structure and mood, its own individual world. Schulhoff’s five pieces, each with its own individual character, are perfect examples of this.” Rosalinde Kluck - alt violin “The Lekeu piece was a real discovery. Splendid music with great depth. But what a tragedy! How many more masterpieces couldLekeu have composed, if he hadn’t died at such a young age?” Maike Reisener - cello “It was an immense pleasure to get to grips with these small masterpieces.Puccini’s Crisantemi is possibly the best of them for me personally. It’s like a scene from one of his operas, with so much emotion and so atmospheric. And of course I’m pleased that there’s also an important work by a Belgian composer on the CD as well…” Helena Druwé - violin “To make this CD was a really intriguing experience. I think it’s so amazing to have so many different styles on one CD, because you get to hear all of the different things that our quartet can do. For me, one of the best things in the CD is the Mendelssohn piece, with its warm and impassioned introduction.” Ilka van der Plas - violin