Hugh Benham - String Quartets (Tippett Quartet)

Information

Composer: Hugh Benham

1. String Quartet No. 1: With movement
2. String Quartet No. 1: Leisurely
3. String Quartet No. 1: Fast
4. String Quartet No. 2: Moderately fast
5. String Quartet No. 2: Lyrical, relaxed
6. String Quartet No. 2: Vigorous
7. String Quartet No. 2: With movement: initially restless

Tippett Quartet

    John Mills, violin

    Jeremy Isaac, violin

    Vicci Wardman, viola

    Bozidar Vukotic, cello

Date: 2026

Label: Convivium Records

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Hugh Benham’s lyrical string quartets showcase a finely crafted, mature tonal language that subtly draws upon classical structures while echoing the influences of Michael Tippett and Dmitri Shostakovich. In this release, the acclaimed Tippett Quartet delivers these sophisticated compositions with exceptional sensitivity, precision, and compelling musicality. Through their nuanced performance, the ensemble highlights the delicate balance between structural rigor and expressive warmth inherent in Benham's chamber works, offering listeners an engaging exploration of modern tonal string quartets.

Composer, musician, and academic Hugh Benham (b. 1943), based in Chandler’s Ford, Hampshire, is widely recognized for his contributions to music education, scholarship, and composition. His scholarly publications span a broad range of musical topics and include authoritative critical editions, notably the complete works of John Taverner for the Early English Church Music series. Currently serving as chairman of the Academic Board of the Guild of Church Musicians, Benham has his compositions primarily published by United Music Publishing in the UK and released commercially through Convivium Records.

Tippett Quartet is a versatile and internationally active ensemble with performances at major venues such as Wigmore Hall, the BBC Proms, Kings Place, and the Royal Festival Hall, alongside regular broadcasts on BBC Radio 3. The quartet has toured widely across Europe, Canada, and Mexico, and maintains an extensive recording catalogue, including acclaimed releases of works by Henryk Górecki and Krzysztof Penderecki. Deeply engaged in education, it has held residencies at Cambridge University and Royal Holloway, and frequently collaborates with contemporary composers such as John Adams and performers across genres. Their work also spans interdisciplinary projects, film music, and premieres of rediscovered and newly commissioned works.

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