Frank Martin - Chamber Music (Utrecht String Quartet; Ilona Timchenko)

Information

Composer: Frank Martin

• Piano Quintet
• Trio for Strings
• Quartet for Strings

Utrecht String Quartet

    Eeva Koskinen, violin

    Katherine Routley, violin

    Mikhail Zemtsov, viola

    Sebastian Koloski, cello

&

Ilona Timchenko, piano

Date: 2026

Label: Musikproduktion Dabringhaus und Grimm

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Frank Martin’s chamber music output, though modest in quantity, reflects the full arc of his artistic development. Joined by pianist Ilona Timchenko, the Utrecht String Quartet explore three pivotal works that unite tradition and modernity. The 1919 Piano Quartet reveals influences from Bach and Franck, enriched by folk elements and bold dissonances. By 1936, in the String Trio, Martin had moved beyond conventional tonality, blending twelve-tone technique with refined harmonic sensitivity. At 75, he embraced the string quartet, distilling a lifetime of inspiration into music marked by distinctive harmonic progressions, rhythmic vitality, and expressive clarity.

For over thirty years, the Utrecht String Quartet has devoted itself to the performance of chamber music, appearing internationally and serving as ensemble-in-residence at major Dutch venues. Alongside canonical masterpieces, the quartet is distinguished by its commitment to rediscovering overlooked repertoire and championing contemporary composers. Its extensive discography for MDG includes works by Mossolov, Bosmans, Sweelinck, Britten, and complete quartets by Glazunov, Verhulst, Gretchaninov, Lourié, and Tchaikovsky. Renowned for performances that unite intellectual rigor with expressive depth, the ensemble collaborates widely with leading musicians and continues to engage audiences through its interpretative curiosity, versatility, and strong artistic cohesion.

Crimean-born pianist Ilona Timchenko (b. 1976) is internationally acclaimed for her poetic depth, expressive power, and formidable technique. Trained at the Moscow Conservatory, the Prince Claus Conservatoire, and the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, she refined her artistry with Michel Béroff in Paris and Lazar Berman in Florence, blending Russian tradition with broader European perspectives. A prizewinner at major competitions, she has performed at leading venues worldwide and appeared with prominent orchestras across Europe. An accomplished soloist and dedicated chamber musician, she is a member of the Metamorphoses Trio. Timchenko also champions contemporary music, records extensively, and currently serves as Head of Piano at CSM de Galicia while teaching in Madrid.

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