The Czech-born composer Anton Reicha (1770–1836) was an exact contemporary of Beethoven – and his close friend from their mid-teens: they showed each other their compositions-in-progress.

But although Reicha was closely associated with one of the best-known names in western culture, his own music has been grievously neglected: only his woodwind quintets have achieved any currency.

These quartets were composed in direct dialogue with Beethoven and his Op. 18 string quartets.

This is the second CD in an ambitious project record all of Reicha’s near-40 string quartets, which will reveal one of the most inventive and engaging spirits in classical music.

The Kreutzer Quartet has worked with David Matthews (TOCC0058 and TOCC0059) for many years now; many of his quartets were written with them in mind.