Years active 1987 (1987)–present Active from 1987 | Website www.balanescu.com | |
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Past members Sian BellJonathan CarneyClare ConnorsNick CooperCaroline DaleBill HawkesPaul MartinAnthony HinniganKate MuskerAndrew Parker Members Alexander Balanescu, Bill Hawkes, Caroline Dale, Sian Bell, Chris Pitsillides, Stephen Bentley-Klein Record labels Decca Records, Universal Music LLC Albums Maria T, String Quartets 1–3, A Man in a Room - Gambling, Cyclorama, Angels & Insects Profiles | ||
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The Balanescu Quartet is a string quartet founded in 1987 by Alexander Bălănescu that achieved fame through the release of several complex cover versions of songs by German experimental electronic music band Kraftwerk on their album Possessed.
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The quartet are mainly notable for their very distinctive style of music, which encompasses odd time rhythms, sound dissonances and complex arrangements. They have performed multiple works with a variety of other artists, including Philip Glass, David Byrne, Gavin Bryars, Michael Nyman, Rabih Abou-Khalil, Kevin Volans, Hector Zazou, Un Drame Musical Instantané, Spiritualized, Yellow Magic Orchestra, Stateless and Pet Shop Boys. They performed the current version of University Challenge's title music (since 2000) on BBC2 in the UK.
Their early albums were on Mute Records and Argo Records (UK).
The Quartet was initially formed by Alexander Bălănescu (violin), Clare Connors (second violin), Bill Hawkes (viola), and Caroline Dale (cello). It currently consists of Alexander Bălănescu (violin), James Shenton (violin), Katie Wilkinson (viola) and Nick Holland (cello).
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Recordings
Group:
Featured:
Songs
ModelPossessed · 1992
Computer LovePossessed · 1992
Pocket CalculatorPossessed · 1992