Ginastera: String Quartets

Echoes of Argentina: Miro Quartet Reclaims Ginastera’s String Quartets

The Miró Quartet, celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, presents Ginastera: String Quartets, an album featuring the complete string quartets of Alberto Ginastera, one of the most influential Latin American composers of the 20th century. A master of vivid contrasts and emotional depth, Ginastera infused his music with the spirit of Argentine folk traditions, bold modernist language, and a profound sense of expression. These three quartets span the entirety of his creative development, tracing a fascinating journey across three distinct stylistic periods.

The first two quartets are considered undiscovered masterpieces, often performed live to great reception but rarely recorded in their entirety alongside the third. The vibrant rhythmic energy and folkloric colors of the first quartet, the introspective lyricism of the second, and the haunting intensity of the third each reflect Ginastera’s unique fusion of influences, drawing from composers like Bartók and Stravinsky to create a sound full of emotional rawness and storytelling.

Together, these quartets form a powerful cycle, showcasing Ginastera’s ability to create distinct narratives within each piece, while also weaving them into a larger, cohesive musical story.

Karen Duffy, Soprano
Miro Quartet