Guarneri String Quartet 'French Album No 1' Available On Audiophile Vinyl

Culled from a recording made in December 2000 at the American Academy of Arts and Letters, "French Album No. 1" features one of the seminal monuments to French quartet literature: Ravel's String Quartet in F major, and reunites the quartet with Grammy winning producer Max Wilcox who recorded their legendary sessions with Artur Rubenstein.

Founded in 1964, the Guarneri String Quartet was one of the most important and revered ensembles in classical music until their retirement in 2009. Described by the N.Y. Times as "having no superior on the world's stages..." the original lineup of Arnold Steinhardt (violin), John Dalley (violin), Michael Tree (viola), and David Soyer (cello) also had the distinction of being music's longest-running artistic collaboration. This recording, made in their 37th year together, was the last by the original lineup.

Occupying the border between Romanticism and the early 20th Century, Ravel's one and only string quartet stands amongst chamber music's most alluring and beloved works. Exquisitely interpreted and performed as only the Guarneri can, this beautifully recorded album is the culmination of 37 years of extraordinary talent, success, and emotional commitment from one of the greatest quartets in history.

"French Album No. 1" is available from Lancia on audiophile-grade vinyl, and as 24/192 HD and MP3/AAC downloads. The track listing is as follows:

1. Allegro moderato - Tres Doux
2. Assez vif - Tres Rythme
3. Tres lent
4. Vif et agite

Lancia Media Factory is a media content company formed in 2010 that specializes in new recordings and important reissues. The company's goal is to produce affordable recordings of exceptional artistic and technical merit. To this end, Lancia's albums are available on audiophile-grade 180g vinyl and as HD digital downloads and priced at $7.98.