SINTA QUARTET | THE ABSOLUTE SOUND - REVIEW

THE ASBOLUTE SOUND - OCTOBER

October, 2024

Sinta Quartet, four classically trained saxophonists (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone) known for their contemporary music performances, here turn their attention to Beethoven string quartets. This is neither a stunt nor jazz riffs or takeoffs from Beethoven, rather the quartets themselves played on saxophones. By the group's own admission, their "main inspiration has always come from the iconic recordings of the incredible string quartet repertoire."

Initially, the sonorities are strange, even startling, but within a surprisingly short period of time I adjusted, especially to No. 14, a triumph, the glorious theme and variations of the fourth movement notably rapt and lovely (though I would have liked a more driven, even aggressive seventh movement). Often called "Serioso," No. 11 is not quite on that level, perhaps because the soprano saxophone's occasional hooting and tooting injects an element of mirth at odds with the music. If the same is true for parts of No. 15's Andante, titled by the composer himself "Holy song of thanksgiving of a convalescent to the Deity, in the Lydian mode,” there can be no question of Sinta's commitment, dedication, and involvement here or elsewhere in this fascinating, obviously deeply felt album. With good (albeit dry) sonics, highly recommended, especially to the adventurous.