CD ECM Records Tarkovsky Quartet:

2011

Francois Couturier - pian
Anja Lechner - violoncel
Jean-Louis Matinier - acordeon
Jean-Marc Larche - saxofon sopran

The unique band founded by François Couturier continues to draw inspiration from the films of Andrey Tarkovsky as its frame of reference expands. Allusions to Pergolesi, Bach and Shostakovich are to be found in the compositions here, as are compelling group improvisations. As the Irish Times wrote of the earlier “Nostalghia - Song for Tarkovsky” album (recorded 2005): “Mixing classical rigour with improvisation both formal and free, what emerges is austerely beautiful, etched in sombre hues and redolent of an unslakeable thirst to connect with a deeper well of the spirit.”

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“Tarkovsky Quartet” reunites the group from “Nostalghia”, and wraps up Couturier’s trilogy of Tarkovsky-inspired recordings on notes both strong and sublime. As poignant as Couturier’s writing is, it’s his use of these four instruments, in arrangements that seamlessly explore various permutations and combinations – solo, duo, trio and quartet, ofthen within the context of a single piece – that gives “Tarkovsky Quartet” its rarefied air. The blending of two reeds, Marché’s saxophone and Matinier’s accordion, creates an irresistible symbiosis – comingled with the expressive tone of bow on string, and given rhythmic life by Couturier on tracks like the hauntin “Tiapa”, there’s even greater synchronicity amongst the four musicians than on “Nostalghia”. If ”Tarkovsky Quartet” is, indeed, an ending, then hopefully it doesn’t mean the dissolution of this remarkable group, whose seamless integration of timeless autoschediastic élan with classical concerns from centuries past has them carving out a personal space in the realm of contemporary improvised music.
John Kelman, All About Jazz

The music on this album, with ist suite like sequence of compositions that flow like a cinematic reverie, comes across as a film-like invitation to a voyage. The spare, gently unfolding and intensely atmospheric melodies and moods deliver an invitation to listen with open ears … and to dream. Couturier has delivered a wondrous offering with compositions that open a path to a secret world.
Nenad Georgievski, All About Jazz