“The Piatti Quartet gave this dramatic masterwork a deeply affecting performance, infusing its beauty with the formal coherence its thematically organised structure requires. The song-like second moment (Romanze: poco adagio) was delightfully delicate, and the tightly-knitted counterpoint of the Allegro finale delivered with passion and rich sonority.

‍The commendable commitment of this outstanding ensemble to contemporary music was reflected in their choice of the eclectic Charlotte Harding’s Iorsa as the second work in the first half of the concert……

‍Opening with haunting cries and harmonics, this sensitive and emotionally charged five-minute work references folk roots and Romantic sensibilities. At the same time, it is of its age: tonal, lingering, but with chromatic undertones and wispily subtle, delicate bowing techniques. A rare Celtic treat….

‍Visiting Scotland on the back their demanding Irish tour, the Piatti Quartet have this repertoire firmly under their belts. Yet they are also able to deliver it with freshness, vigour, exceptional technique and genuine feeling.

The encore was another brief contemporary piece, the deliciously pleading Cantilena from Joseph Phibbs’ String Quartet No. 4, released by the Piatti on a 2024 Nimbus recording. It features a simple, evocatively melody which ascends from the cello to the whole quartet.

Altogether, a glorious evening’s music-making from one of the most inspiring ensembles operating within and well beyond these isles. Do check out their new CD, ‘Phantasy’ (Rubicon, 2026), which brings together overlooked Irish composers and English masters, together with the brief world premiere recording of Michael Tippett’s tribute to Stravinsky, In Memoriam Magistri.”

Simon Barrow, Edinburgh Music Review, March 2026