Although Australian by birth, Alfred Hill spent much of his youth in New Zealand before embarking on studies in Leipzig, where he met Brahms, Dvorák and Tchaikovsky.

A prolific symphonist and operatic composer, he also wrote a sequence of seventeen notable string quartets. His style evolved constantly, the influence of Dvorák leading on to the impressionism of his mid-period. By the time of the String Quartets Nos 12 to 14, his mastery of technique – in his younger days he had played in a prominent string quartet – ensure that the music is balanced, subtle and full of playful wit.

This is the fifth of six volumes of the complete Alfred Hill String Quartets.

The Dominion String Quartet has recorded the cycle and received fine reviews for their performances, and they are leading ambassadors for the music of their country.