Venuti String Quartet’s Debut album, Ravel • Jurecka, Released March 7, 2025!
This album combines the original composition of Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist, producer, arranger and composer Drew Jurecka paired with one of his great inspirations - the beautiful and dynamic Quartet by Maurice Ravel. WholeNote review
Drew Jurecka’s string quartet was completed over a 10-year period from 2010-2020. An accomplished jazz and classical violinist, Jurecka‘s composition explores his diverse musical experiences through the rich vocabulary of the string quartet. Each movement takes its inspiration from a different style of music, seen through the lens of classic string quartet form and composition.
In 1903, Maurice Ravel composed his only string quartet at the age of 28 while a student at the Paris Conservatory. This work is considered one of the greatest masterworks of the string quartet repertoire.
Jay Danley played the guitar in a band with Drew for 13 years. During that time they wrote several compositions together. The spider is one of their favourites - a breakneck tribute to Carl Stalling, who wrote music for Looney Toons and Merry Melodies cartoons.
You can purchase the album below!
Please enjoy this whimsical animated video, set to the scherzo (2nd) movement of Jurecka’s string quartet - conceived and directed by Rebekah Wolkstein and animated by Marcus Kim Cade
The Venuti String Quartet gratefully acknowledges the funding and support of the Toronto Arts Council and the Ontario Arts Council
