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Session Report: the Catalyst Quartet on recording the Chevalier de Saint-Georges quartets

2026-05-29T08:25:00

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Catalyst Quartet violinist Karla Donehew Perez speaks to Thomas May about the focus required to reconstruct and record all 18 string quartets by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges

Recording the complete string quartets of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint‑Georges, presents a distinctive challenge: finding variety across 18 works whose broadly consistent structures conceal a surprising range of textures and character. Published in Paris from 1773 to 1785, they form part of the earliest generation of string quartets that appeared in France. Though the quartets have been recorded by various different ensembles, the Catalyst Quartet’s new album on Azica Records, Uncovered vol.4, brings all 18 together for the first time in a digital‑only release, concluding the ensemble’s multi‑volume series devoted to chamber works by historically overlooked Black composers…

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