Folk Songs - CD Music

Kronos Quartet is an American string quartet, formed in 1973 by David Harrington, who is also the group's first violinist. Based in San Francisco, California, the quartet is known for its innovative approach to chamber music, pushing the boundaries of the traditional string quartet repertoire by incorporating a wide variety of musical genres and styles, including contemporary music, jazz, electronic music, rock, world music, and film soundtracks.

The quartet, composed of David Harrington (first violin), John Sherba (second violin), Hank Dutt (viola) and Sunny Yang (cello, since 2013), has collaborated with a wide range of composers and artists, such as Philip Glass, Terry Riley, Steve Reich, Arvo Pärt, Laurie Anderson, and many others. They are particularly known for their interpretations of contemporary and minimalist music, having commissioned and premiered over 900 works by composers from around the world.

One of the Kronos Quartet's most notable projects is the album Black Angels (1990), which includes George Crumb's piece of the same name, written as a response to the Vietnam War. This album was highly acclaimed by critics and exemplifies the group's bold and evocative approach in combining instrumental technique with deep emotional expression.

In addition to their collaborations with contemporary composers, the Kronos Quartet has explored music from various cultures, releasing albums that feature arrangements of traditional music from different parts of the world, such as the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This global approach to chamber music has helped to redefine the role of the string quartet in contemporary music.

The Kronos Quartet is also known for its commitment to music education and the promotion of new talent. They founded the "Kronos: Under 30 Project", an initiative to support young composers by offering them the opportunity to work with the quartet and have their works performed.

With over 60 albums released and countless performances around the world, the Kronos Quartet continues to be a vital force in contemporary music, known for its boldness, innovation, and ability to connect audiences to a vast array of musical traditions.