We are delighted to be releasing the complete string quartets by Johan Kvandal on 13th January!

The composer Johan Kvandal (1919-1999) is one of Norway's most important, and most performed, composers of the 20th century. For the first time ever, his complete works for string quartet, spanning four decades of his life, are presented on one album. The Engegård Quartet is known for it's passionate and fresh interpretations of the classical repertoire. At the same time, the quartet is proud of, and celebrates it's Scandinavian origins. This recording is the perfect continuation of the Engegård Quartet's project of enjoying and promoting Norwegian composers. Arvid Engegård, the quartet's primarius, has studied Kvandal's works with Kvandal himself, as he visited and played for the composer several times.

Son of the composer David Monrad Johansen, and pupil of Geir Tveitt and Nadia Boulanger among others, Johan Kvandal is well established in Norway's cultural history. Kvandal's musical language has its roots in national romanticism which characterized many countries in the early 20th century. Throughout his long career, Kvandal constantly returned to his Norwegian roots. Already in his earliest opus, we see Norwegian folk music enshrined in classical forms. Johan Kvandal's tonal language took a colourful turn with a prolongued stay in Paris under the wing of the influential composer Nadia Boulanger. In this release, we get a unique insight into his musical development. Morten Carlsen has written very informative and well-written programme notes which really enhance the listener's experience. 

Watch out for:

Signed exclusive copies will be available for sale at our concerts in January.

We release our first digital single on 13th January.

Our 2nd digital single will come out on 20th January.

The whole album will be officially released by LAWO Classics both physically and digitally on 27th January in Norway; the European release will follow.