Fitzwilliam Quartet

The Fitzwilliam Quartet, formed in 1968 by four music students at Cambridge University, has spent over five decades carving out a reputation as one of Britain’s most versatile and enduring chamber ensembles. Originally bonding over a shared love of Shostakovich’s quartets, they earned a unique place in music history when the Russian composer himself endorsed their interpretations, calling them “definitive.” This connection still shines in releases like their *50th Anniversary Recording* of Shostakovich’s haunting final quartets. But don’t peg them as specialists—their catalog swings from fiery Schubert (check out their *Late String Quartets* album) to Bruckner’s rich textures and even collaborations with living composers like Michael Blake. Recent projects like *Bach and the Stile Antico* and *Salvator Mundi - The Purcell Legacy* highlight their knack for blending early music clarity with modern flair. With founding violist Alan George still anchoring the group, the Fitzwilliams balance tradition and curiosity, whether resurrecting forgotten gems or championing new works. Their vibe? Think scholarly passion meets down-to-earth warmth—a quartet that’s as likely to geek out over a manuscript as they are to charm you with a folk-inspired encore.

Genres

Chamber Music

Classical

Contemporary Classical

Baroque

Early Music

String Quartet

Russian Classical

Romantic Era Classical

Avant-garde Classical

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Latest Release

Ian Stephens: Chamber Music

Jonathan Small•

Fitzwilliam Quartet

Album - 13 Tracks - Released February 7, 2025