The Vanbrugh Quartet gave the first performance of Simpson’s String Quartet No 14 in 1991. This is the first of Robert Simpson’s quartets since No 6 (1975) to adopt a classical four-movement design, and perhaps provides an ideal introduction for those still unfamiliar with his music. The opening Allegro is fluid, highly active and predominantly contrapuntal in texture. Though the movement avoids strict sonata form, a clear second subject appears: a nervous, double-dotted figure which generates further contrapuntal entries and immense rhythmic energy at a later stage. The ending dies away quietly in a mood of temporary stillness.