Peter Fribbins Chamber Music (1990-2004)

(full details at www.guildmusic.11943#)

Allegri Quartet and James Campbell (clarinets),
Angell Piano Trio
Raphael Wallfisch and John York (cello & piano)

Guild GMCD 7343

This portrait disc surveys the chamber music of Peter Fribbins (b. 1969), a thoughtful composer who eschews the latest fads in favour of solid craftsmanship, as exemplified by the long gestation of his Donne-inspired string quartet (1990-1998-2004).

Several excellent ensembles are brought together, all recorded satisfactorily. The music grows on you and is well described in Christopher Dromey's helpful analytic notes.

Fribbins is "unafraid to write in 'received' genres", but teases with tonality "frustrated at most turns". It is music which grows on you with repetition. I would guess Fribbins to be an excellent teacher at Middlesex University, where he is Musical Director and some of this music was recorded.

Recommended.

Peter Grahame Woolf