This release is an important milestone in the collaboration between the Engegård Quartet and Finnish composer and pianist Olli Mustonen. The recording includes Mustonen’s String Quartet No. 1 from 2016, commissioned and premiered by the Engegård Quartet, and a slightly earlier work, the Piano Quintet from 2014.

Olli Mustonen is one of the Nordic countries’ most sought after musicians, as pianist, conductor, and composer. His compositions are performed worldwide. While the Engegård Quartet has commissioned several works from Norwegian composers, the String Quartet No 1 is their first international commission. Olli describes many of his works as a journey from darkness towards light, and these two pieces are no exception. The Engegård Quartet describes the appeal of Mustonen’s compositions: “We feel that Olli’s works are deeply spiritual while they have an almost ritualistic magnetism. This raw irresistibility is made even more powerful by the tight structural forms Olli masters in his compositions.”

Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, Olli Mustonen has a unique place on today’s music scene. Following the tradition of great masters such as Rachmaninov, Busoni and Enescu, Mustonen combines the roles of his musicianship as composer, pianist and conductor in an equal balance that is quite exceptional, often bringing them together in one fascinating triple role performance.

Formed under the midnight sun in Lofoten in 2006, the Engegård Quartet has rapidly become one of Norway’s most sought-after ensembles. Their bold, fresh interpretations of the classical repertoire combined with a deep attachment to their Scandinavian roots has attracted international acclaim and inspired some innovative partnerships and programming.

Olli Mustonen – Piano
Arvid Engegård – Violin
Alex Robson – Violin
Juliet Jopling – Viola
Jan Clemens Carlsen – Cello