The Arditti Quartet is a string quartet founded in 1974 and led by British violinist Irvine Arditti through many changes in membership. Internationally recognized in contemporary classical music, they are noted for precision in demanding repertoire. Many composers have written for the Quartet, which often rehearses with them. The ensemble has performed worldwide, produced the largest discography of its kind, and in 1999 became the first group to receive the Ernst von Siemens Music Prize.
Repertoire
The Arditti Quartet is dedicated to contemporary and 20th-century classical chamber music, with most of their repertoire drawn from the past fifty years and some of it written for the ensemble. Unlike the Kronos Quartet, their repertoire includes little crossover music. and are noted for mastering complex works with precision. Norwegian composer has called them the "Rolls-Royce" of quartets, praising their command of new music. Ligeti's second quartet and Xenakis's Tetras are works they have performed hundreds of times.
Recognition
The Quartet has a worldwide reputation as a leader for its interpretation of 20th century and contemporary new music, receiving extensive critical praise.
Awards include the Deutsche Schallplatten Preis on various occasions, the Gramophone Award for best recording of contemporary music in 1999, 2002 and 2018, the Coup de Coeur Prize and Grand Prix from the Academie Charles Cros in 2004 and the Ernst von Siemens Music Prize for lifetime achievement in 1999. They are the first and only group to date to receive the Siemens Foundation prize. by far the longest contemporary discography of any string quartet.