Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber

“Jonathan Freeman-Attwood's playing is notable for the beauty and freedom of line of his lyrical phrasing, while the bravura is exhilarating. Daniel-Ben Pienaar's accompaniments are boldly supportive and well in the picture.” Gramophone Magazine, July 2008

The Purcell Quartet adheres to a ‘minimalist’ approach which draws the listener into the textual and rhetorical essence of the music in an intimate and immediate way. They have recorded exclusively for Chandos Records since 1987, having made forty discs of a huge range of music. The critical response has been consistently enthusiastic – Gramophone wrote recently, ‘I am drawn to the sheer beauty and intimacy of the ensemble playing here... A strongly recommended new release’. BBC Music Magazine wrote, ‘The playing is infectiously uninhibited and technically immaculate – a programme of unqualified pleasure’.

“The Purcell Quartet bring Biber's often highly sophisticated writing to life with grace and vigour.” BBC Music Magazine, March 2008 ****

“Mensa sonora, published in Salzburg in 1680, is scored for four-part strings and basso continuo. We're continually delighted by Biber's contrapuntal dexterity, by the beautiful sonorities and by the way he introduces a deeper level of expression into the longer movements. The Purcell Quartet bring out these and many more facets of the music with playing that's always lively and sweetly tuned. The Violin Sonata... makes an excellent contrast with Mensa sonora's miniature movements. Catherine Mackintosh has this demanding music at her fingertips. Strongly recommended.” Gramophone Magazine, March 2008

"Manze achieved the perfect balance between Biber's irrepressible energy and the passages of calm purity." The Guardian, concert review