「從批判省思的實驗角度，尋求最浪漫純粹的初衷。」 現代音樂的發展，從20世紀開始以印象與後浪漫樂派為根基，在1960年代後進而衍伸出各式各樣的門別流派，序列、極簡、機率音樂等云云，開啟了古典音樂的新紀元，更是與當時的爵士音樂以及流行音樂開始有密不可分的關係，這是音樂與音樂之間相互影響和交融的關鍵時期。 在這樣的時代洪流之中，產生了傳統與創新的碰撞與摩擦，一方為延續傳統結構與曲式的基本教義派；另一方人馬則是要為古典音樂蛻變重生而進行大膽創新的音樂實驗。在這張作品《現代之聲》中由李斯特音樂院的高材生所組成的凱勒四重奏(Keller Quartett)所演奏、美國作曲家塞繆爾．巴伯(Samuel Barber, 1910-1981)與匈牙利作曲家李格第．捷爾吉(György Ligeti, 1923-2006)兩人的弦樂四重奏作品所組成。 前者巴伯繼承延續了傳統的古典音樂美學，專輯曲2「弦樂慢板」(Molto Allegro)美麗而幽靜，獨白與低吟的詩篇，隨著樂曲邁進而引入高潮的高昂情緒，令人沉醉；後者李格第的第一號弦樂四重奏「夜之變形」(Métamorphoses nocturnes)鼓動人心的焦躁弦奏與慎密的音樂結構值得細細琢磨；第二號弦樂四重奏，五段式篇章，其鬼魅且令人不安的情緒不斷在心中蔓延擴大。 《現代之聲》是一個以現代音樂角度出發的對照與剖析，以巴伯與李格第兩人作為範本，探究傳統與前衛之間的界線，彼此之間或許大相逕庭、也或許其中有相對的關聯性，以不同的價值觀、審美觀切入，將形式、本質、脈絡等元素明確的傳達出那耐人尋味的、屬於20世紀音樂的多元樣貌。 György Ligeti was a member in good standing of the musical avant-garde of the mid-20th century, while Samuel Barber was, at the same time, one of the most prominent neo-Romantic composers. They would seem to be an odd couple on this 2013 release on ECM New Series, for Ligetis two string quartets and Barbers Molto adagio from the String Quartet No. 2 (known in various arrangements as "Barbers Adagio") appear to come from opposing camps, if not different worlds. Yet the Keller Quartet demonstrates that there is not a huge gulf between these pieces, and that there are good reasons for placing Barbers placid elegy as a contrasting piece between Ligetis more adventurous studies of string sonorities and extended effects. While some listeners will be fully prepared for the dissonant counterpoint and rough textures of Ligetis String Quartet No. 1, Barbers Adagio works well as a kind of palate cleanser, and provides an opportunity to rest and take stock before advancing to the more agitated String Quartet No. 2. Even so, Ligetis string quartets have their share of searching, introspective expressions, rather in the vein of the quartets of Béla Bartók, so listeners dont have far to jump to appreciate the choice of pieces. The Keller Quartet is certainly adept at playing both conventional, tonal music and more experimental, atonal music, and their performances are utterly convincing and beautiful. ECMs exceptional reproduction contributes to the attractiveness of the package, so this CD is an appealing presentation of works that set each other off admirably.