The Balanescu Quartet was formed in 1987 in London, passionately believing in new music that communicates directly with the audience, much of it commissioned for and by the Quartet. They actively seek out new contexts and venues for performance, and have been particularly identified with the music of Michael Nyman and Gavin Bryars, as well as of many other leading exponents of 20th century composition. They have performed with artists as diverse as Keith Tippett, Andy Sheppard, John Surman, Jack DeJohnette, in venues ranging from the Queen Elizabeth Hall to the Knitting Factory, and even received a standing ovation from thousands of Pet Shop Boys fans when supporting them at Wembley. They have also appeared on albums by Kate Bush and Sam Brown. Their own recordings include interpretations of Michael Nyman's quartets, as well as of American music by John Lurie, Michael Torke, Robert Moran, and David Byrne.

After many years residency in the United States, the Austrian composer, trumpeter and founder of the renowned WATT label has returned to Europe and brought out a new album on ECM. "Folly Seeing All This", like almost all of Mantler's work is distinguished by its pronounced predilection for quiet, almost elegiac, sounds. Mantler's standing preoccupation with connections between literature and music is evidenced above all in the Samuel Beckett-inspired "What Is The Word", performed as a duet between Jack Bruce and Mantler's daughter, Karen.

- MUSIKMARKT

For six years Viennese world citizen and WATT founder Michael Mantler had released no new records. His droll explanation: "There was no need for a new production!" Perhaps he had also asked himself the question: How can one simply make music in times like these? ... Mantler lists, in his CD booklet, an A-Z of contemporary threats - from "advertising" and "AIDS" to "war" and "xenophobia" - and creates, in contrast a harmonious music of reconciliation ... The instrumental pieces are fascinating explorations of the field of tension between classical music, jazz, and minimal music, compositions of wonderful fluidity ...

- FACHBLATT