The music of John Foulds (1880-1939) shows varied, often pioneering, interests, including experiment with quarter-tones and Orientalism. Of his 11 documented string quartets (including the suite Aquarelles) only half survive. Quartets nos. 4, 6, 8, 10, and Aquarelles are briefly reviewed in the context of his general development. Quartet no. 9 (Quartetto intimo, op. 89, 1932) is discussed in detail.

(Roger Duce, abridged)