Balanescu Quartet

The Profile

A UK-based string quartet led by violinist Alexander Balanescu, known for contemporary-classical crossover, reinterpretations of electronic music, and collaborations with artists such as David Byrne. Formed in 1987.

Released Possessed (1992), which includes string-quartet arrangements of Kraftwerk tracks and a cover of David Byrne's "Hanging Upside Down"; leader and principal composer is Alexander Balanescu.

The review of Possessed describes the Balanescu Quartet’s successful string-quartet reinterpretations of Kraftwerk material. The 1992 album mixes five Kraftwerk covers with four other tracks by Alexander Balanescu and a David Byrne cover. The arrangement makes electronic originals work acoustically and appeals to both Kraftwerk fans and newcomers.