Three and an odd fellow

If first impressions are what counts, this is your average, regular quartet: Composed of four talented musicians, deeply immersed in the classical tradition, yet with a desire to explore new grounds and containg a viola, violin and a cello. But when looking closer, there's a fourth member of the family, who doesn't seem to fit in - He's called Dirk Mommertz and plays the piano, instead of another string instrument. It's true that the Piano Quartet has been sold under value in the last centuries, which is not to day it hasn't seen some magnificent compositions.

The Faure Quartett was founded in 1995, honouring the French composers 150th birthday. This year, it's time for a different anniversary, as the ensemble celebrates its decennial. As befits a still active and hungry group, they have decided to release a new CD, this time concentrating on Schumanns Piano Quartet and combining it with one by Theodor Kirchner, whom Schumann regarded as a prodigous composer. The Faure Quartet especially liked the fact that Kirchners piece defied the trend of its time and chose an elegant and transparent style. The album is out now on the Ars Musici Label.

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