We live in a time of turmoil, flux, stress and crisis. The stresses and strains of modern life during and after the pandemic, war raging in Ukraine, climate change, energy shortages, soaring cost of living, large numbers of refugees seeking safe haven, lack of trust in our leaders – this is the reality of life in the 2020s. The Kuss Quartet’s new album draws upon music composed over the past 250 years that embraces emotional turmoil, suffering, and psychological stresses. Some of the music was composed during periods of deep personal trauma for the composers. This very same music can also bring about a mood of reflection, solace, and contemplation. This is music for our times, as powerful and relevant now as it was when new.