Brooklyn Rider
The Four Elements
The idea of four elements - Earth, Air, Fire, Water - as the foundation of the physical world was a parallel belief across numerous ancient cultures, including those in Greece, Egypt, Persia, Babylonia, India, and beyond. In myriad combinations, these four elements were thought to be capable of both infinite creation and powerful destruction. The unique musical ecosystem of the string quartet mirrors this delicate balance with its four human elements, collectively capable of voicing both the profound beauties as well as the stark realities of our world. In this recording, Brooklyn Rider brings together a wide range of music from the past and the present which is representative of, or directly inspired by these elements. In part a celebration of Earth's wondrous mysteries, this project is in parallel designed to raise attention to the powerful forces of climate change which represent the single greatest challenge of our time. Four works are drawn from the last one hundred years, a century marked by unprecedented planetary change, while four are newly commissioned scores penned by composers with unique global perspectives that more urgently reflect current realities and serve as a musical call to action.