The String Quartets cover

The String Quartets

John Zorn · 1999

64 min · 16 tracks · avant-garde jazz

An intricate tapestry of avant-garde strings, blending improvisation with classical forms in a hauntingly dynamic exploration.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic interplay of themes
  • wave-like pacing with contrasts
  • immersive exploration of sound
  • hauntingly intricate string textures

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer straightforward, upbeat tracks
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time John Zorn released 'The String Quartets' in 1999, he was already an established figure in the avant-garde and experimental music scenes. This album followed his earlier works that often combined various genres, showcasing his diverse compositional style and solidifying his reputation as a boundary-pushing artist.
Stylistic neighbors
Mike Patton· The Thing· Merzbow

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Cat o’ Nine Tails 13:56
  • 2 The Dead Man: I. Variations 1:04
  • 3 The Dead Man: II. Sonatas 0:41
  • 4 The Dead Man: III. Manifesto 0:49
  • 5 The Dead Man: IV. Fanfare 0:56
  • 6 The Dead Man: V. Meditation 0:53
  • 7 The Dead Man: VI. Rondo 0:47
  • 8 The Dead Man: VII. Romance 0:30
  • 9 The Dead Man: VIII. Blossoms 1:07
  • 10 The Dead Man: IX. Fantasy 0:52
  • 11 The Dead Man: X. Folio 1:15
  • 12 The Dead Man: XI. Nocturne 1:38
  • 13 The Dead Man: XII. Etude 0:40
  • 14 The Dead Man: XIII. Prelude 1:22
  • 15 Memento Mori 29:22
  • 16 Kol Nidre 8:22

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata