This new cpo recording couples Artur Schnabels Notturno for alto and piano with his First String Quartet. Schnabel, who is best known as a pianist than composer, was influenced by many composers from Brahms to Schoenberg. His Notturno which owes something to Mahler, Busoni, Schreker and Schoenberg, is completely independent in its handling of form, phrasing and musical logic. His First String Quartet is a large-scale piece performed by the Pellegrini Quartett.