A Dark Flaring

With "A Dark Flaring," the Signum Quartet makes an impressive return to ECM's New Series, having previously debuted for the label on Erkki-Sven Tüür's acclaimed chamber music recording "Lost Prayers" (2020). In 2025, the quartet has assembled a unique program, devoted to six South African composers born in the 20th century whose works for string quartet are characterized by the way they combine respect for the past with a sense of the future in a broad stylistic range. All six composers, whether they have written in their own country or abroad, reflect the complex and tumultuous history of their country in music that captivates through its enormous originality. Gramophone Magazine described the quartet's sound as "impassioned, often brilliant, but also clear and lean." The sensitive approach to these dynamically contrasting works is further testament to the quartet's craftsmanship. Major idiomatic bridges connect seemingly disparate musical traditions, ranging from the South African Xhosa and Zulu traditions to 20th-century minimalism and early impressionism to the Renaissance with John Dowland.