String Quartets, Vol. 2 (Nos. 4, 6 & 8)

"The recording quality once again is excellent and the playing committed. There's more to get one's teeth into with this volume of the quartets though I am keenly awaiting as I noted earlier the volume containing a performance of No.11." (MusicWeb Dec 2008)

While Hill's first three string quartets were reminiscent of Dvorák and Tchaikovsky, these three demonstrate new directions. With the slow movement of Quartet No. 4 hinting at influences of Elgar, and Quartet No. 6 conceived in a kind of retro-classical idiom, Quartet No. 8 clearly marks the beginning of a new sound world, with hints of the musical language of the impressionists and a rather English sounding Finale. Hill's trademark slow movement gems remain a feature in all three quartets with the outer movements offering memorable melodies and much finesse in his string quartet writing.