Last Leaf

The Danish String Quartet set a gold standard for a classical music ensemble in taking on the folk music of their homeland with 2014's Wood Works, a labour of love that brought together the sound quality of a classical ensemble with a natural, danceable feel for traditional Scandinavian tunes. The ensemble returns with the same spirit on Last Leaf. Most of the 16 tracks here are traditional songs arranged by the quartet, ranging from Denmark and Sweden to the Faroe and Shetland Islands. Dances dominate the collection and, through the juxtaposition of the more refined waltzes and minuets with raw, fiery polskas, the Quartet again bridge classical poise and a genuine folk sensibility. The few contemporary pieces composed within the group – three by cellist Fredrik Schøyen Sjölin and one by violinist Rune Tonsgaard Sørensen – bring in a contemporary sensibility. Sørensen's reel ‘Shine You No More’ develops into a bit of a foot-stamping anthem.

New for this record are touches of instrumentation outside the classical string quartet forces: Sjölin doubles up on double bass and Sørensen introduces harmonium, piano and glockenspiel. Quieter and more austere at times than the accessible Wood Works, Last Leaf is nevertheless just as beautiful, and it represents a step forward in the Quartet's exploration of Nordic folk song and dance.