The Maxwell Quartet’s recording debut stands out for its innovative approach: each of Haydn’s Op.71 Quartets is paired with a tune, or set of traditional tunes, from the ensemble’s homeland of Scotland.

This prize-winning quartet believes classical music has a strong connection to its folk music heritage and aims to marry the two together with this unique and meaningful programme. Interspersing each of the three Op.71 Quartets, are the Maxwells’ own arrangements of traditional Scottish music designed to both celebrate and acknowledge the folk music heritage which influenced both performer and composer centuries apart.

Surprisingly there are relatively few recent recordings of the Op.71 Quartets, yet they contain some of Haydn’s most virtuosic writing for string quartet. Each quartet has its own unique quality: no.1 is overwhelmingly joyful, no.2 is lyrical and romantic and no.3 is perhaps the most compositionally innovative of the set.

Hailed as superb storytellers and great communicators, the Maxwell Quartet’s inventive debut will add to its growing reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting strings quartets.

Since its formation in 2010, the Maxwell Quartet has developed a unique, fresh and genuine voice of its own in the world of chamber music. In 2017, the Quartet received the First Prize and Audience Prize at the Trondheim International Chamber Music Competition.

From 2019 to 2021, the Quartet is Associate Artist at both the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the Music at Paxton festival. Now based across the UK and touring regularly in Europe and the United States, the Quartet’s performances are set apart by the tribute they pay to their Scottish folk music heritage.

The Maxwell Quartet comprises Colin Scobie, George Smith (violin) Elliott Perks (viola) and Duncan Strachan (cello).

“…brilliantly fresh, unexpected and exhilarating...an enlightening and enthralling musical experience.” – The Herald

“Affectionate and warm...the quartet shone in their hands…a persuasive advocacy.” – The Telegraph

“A fascinating, magical experience...The Maxwells were persuasive players...characterful, and beautifully paced playing.” – The Arts Desk

“A formidably assured outfit.” – The Classical Source