The Kepler Quartet, a classically-trained string ensemble, has distinguished itself in the world of chamber music through its dedication to the works of composer Ben Johnston. Named after the German mathematician and astronomer Johannes Kepler, the quartet has become synonymous with the exploration and championing of Johnston's complex and innovative musical language, one that often includes the use of just intonation and microtonal tuning systems.

Formed in the early 2000s with violinists Sharan Leventhal and Eric Segnitz, violist Brek Renzelman, and cellist Karl Lavine, the Kepler Quartet embarked on a mission to record and bring attention to Ben Johnston's challenging string quartets. Their recorded anthology of Johnston's works—including "String Quartets Nos. 6, 7, & 8," "String Quartets Nos. 1, 5 & 10," and "String Quartets Nos. 2, 3, 4, & 9"—has been critically acclaimed, noted for its precise execution and passionate performances that expertly navigate the intricate tuning systems and structures of the compositions. Through their recordings and performances, the Kepler Quartet has not only preserved a significant chapter of American music but has also set a benchmark for the performance of microtonal compositions.

Genres

Modern String Quartet

String Quartet

Xenharmonic

Latest Release

Ben Johnston: String Quartets Nos. 6, 7, & 8

Ben Johnston•

Kepler Quartet

Album - 9 Tracks - Released April 15, 2016