Album insights
In 1987, the 12th String Quartet was completed for the Nottingham Festival 1988 with the Coull Quartet premiering it, dedicated to composer and scientist Lionel Pike. The piece comprises two main movements—a deeply contemplative polyphonic slow movement and a colossal scherzo resembling the finale of the 11th Symphony.
Within the composition, Simpson's use of specific intervals is highlighted through a peaceful fugue subject emanating from the first violin. This subject, encompassing two octaves with tonal thirds and fourths, shapes the entire work through new melodic and rhythmic iterations, building towards an intense climax before a calm resolution.
The second movement, a "Molto vivace" Scherzo, stands as one of the lengthiest for string quartets, rich in energy and humor, featuring Beethoven's signature triple meter and unexpected thematic shifts. Commissioned by the BBC, Simpson's String Quintet emulates Mozart by employing two violas instead of two cellos, showcasing a single expansive movement oscillating between Andante and Vivace tempos.
The quintet's initial Adagio introduces a simple motif, a serene melody unfolding into a series of musical dialogues culminating in symphonic grandeur. Renowned as one of the most striking works since Brahms' Opus 111, Simpson's string quintet beautifully balances intense energy with tranquil resolutions, marking a testament to his compositional prowess.