Recorded in 1979 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco, California, In Formation is Kronos’ debut studio album and features a collection of works all written for Kronos.

From Christine Fiedler’s liner note: “Rebellion against the staid traditionalism of chamber music has long been the trademark of the Kronos Quartet. Their repertoire and performing style defy the solemnity generally associated with the string quartet genre… In Formation finds the Quartet exactly where it likes most to be: in a lot of unexpected places. The album is a compilation of unique connections, bridging far-flung musical cousins of rock, jazz, country and folk into a network of exuberant style.The paradox is that, rather than rejecting string quartet tradition, Kronos builds upon it here to form a refreshing contemporary musical language… There are few others who would dare take a string quartet along these roads. Perhaps, then, it is fitting to look upon Kronos as pioneers – of spirit, of audacity, of the energy that is at the heart of contemporary American music.”

SELECT CREDITS

Kronos Quartet
David Harrington, violin
John Sherba, violin
Hank Dutt, viola
Joan Jeanrenaud, cello

Produced by J. Tamblyn Henderson and Kronos Quartet
Executive Producers: J. Tamblyn Henderson and Marcia Martin