Finnish composer Kalevi Aho flies a little under the radar. Born in 1949, he first made a lasting impression when he completed his String Quartet No. 1 at the age of just 18. In the course of his early compositional career, two more string quartets were to follow, which the Stenhammar Quartet has now brought together on one album.

To a certain extent, the three quartets trace Aho's development as a young composer, or help to do so, as the case may be. The self-taught composer used the tonal music he played on the violin and listened to on the radio as a guide for his first quartet. When he went on to study at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, he wrote his second quartet in his second year, this time using the fugue technique. The third quartet, written in the final year of his studies with Rautavaara, is freer of conventions, with a little Shostakovich here and there, but above all a lot of Aho.

For the recording of the three Aho string quartets, the Stenhammar Quartet has changed their order. Instead of proceeding chronologically, the Swedes open with String Quartet No. 2, which surprises in its second movement Presto with a sometimes wild dynamic and harmony, a little aha effect, so to speak. The mild Adagio that follows it, on the other hand, is surprisingly classical and formal, which creates an intense tension.

It is logical that the three movements of the second quartet are followed by String Quartet No. 3. Its eight movements fan out a diverse compositional breadth. From the Vivace with its sensitive melodicism to the almost aggressive Meno mosso, which leads into a melancholy Adagio, the then 21-year-old composer demonstrates his expressive power.

The album concludes with the four movements of Aho's String Quartet No. 1. After the dynamic and at times demanding third quartet, they seem like a gentle finale, a way back to traditional melody and harmony that will reconcile some ears with the sound adventure they have just experienced.

The Stenhammar Quartet knows how to bring out the rich facets of Aho's first three string quartets with a fine touch. Dynamics and sound, outburst and flow go hand in hand and allow his early talent to shine brilliantly.

At the same time, the album testifies to the comprehensive abilities of the four Swedish musicians themselves, who are highly regarded for their intense, precise and expressive interpretations. The recording is also close-miked and full-bodied, making the music a great listening experience through speakers and headphones alike.

In this light, the news that the Stenhammar Quartet is planning a second album of Aho's string quartets is even more welcome. And starting with this one is highly recommended. (Thomas Semmler, HighResMac)

Stenhammar Quartet