Griller Quartet Plays Mozart & Haydn

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The Griller was Britain's preeminent string quartet in the 1940s and 1950s, notable for outstanding recordings of quartets by Bloch and Haydn, among others. Dutton's budget release features sophisticated playing whose great technical security is complemented by humane interpretations of great emotional depth. The two Mozart quartets are distinguished by rounded, tonal warmth, wide dynamics, and a generous molding of phrases and melodies. Part of Mozart's series of "Haydn" quartets, they're among the composer's finest works in that form, and the Griller's readings are still desirable, even after the passage of half a century. Haydn's "Bird" quartet is as good, with first violinist Sidney Griller contributing outstanding moments. This is an important release, pleasing for the repertory and interpretations and as an excellent introduction to the Griller's art. --Dan Davis

Album Description
For 34 years, the most eminent of British quartets performed and recorded. From their first public performance in London in 1928 until the tragic death of Philip Burton (viola) in 1961, they courted fame in a country not known for its tradition of chamber music. Towards the end of the '30s, tours of Europe and in 1940 USA, with a debut in New York and NBC contract helped with their growing popularity. After WW2 they were invited back to the USA, this time to Berkeley, and the University of California as a resident teaching quartet.

Tracks:

Str Qt No.14 in G, K.387 (Haydn Set No.1): I. Allegro Vivace Assai
Str Qt No.14 in G, K.387 (Haydn Set No.1): II. Menuetto & Trio: Allegretto
Str Qt No.14 in G, K.387 (Haydn Set No.1): III. Andante Cantabile
Str Qt No.14 in G, K.387 (Haydn Set No.1): IV. Finale: Molto Allegro
Str Qt in C, Op.33 No.3 (The Bird): I. Allegro Moderato
Str Qt in C, Op.33 No.3 (The Bird): II. Scherzo: Allegretto
Str Qt in C, Op.33 No.3 (The Bird): III. Adagio
Str Qt in C, Op.33 No.3 (The Bird): IV. Finale: Rondo Presto
Str Qt No.15 in d, K.421 (Haydn Set No.2): I. Allegro
Str Qt No.15 in d, K.421 (Haydn Set No.2): II. Andante
Str Qt No.15 in d, K.421 (Haydn Set No.2): III. Minuetto & Trio: Allegretto
Str Qt No.15 in d, K.421 (Haydn Set No.2): IV. Finale: Allegro Ma Non Troppo - Piu Allegro

Amazon.com

The Griller was Britain's preeminent string quartet in the 1940s and 1950s, notable for outstanding recordings of quartets by Bloch and Haydn, among others. Dutton's budget release features sophisticated playing whose great technical security is complemented by humane interpretations of great emotional depth. The two Mozart quartets are distinguished by rounded, tonal warmth, wide dynamics, and a generous molding of phrases and melodies. Part of Mozart's series of "Haydn" quartets, they're among the composer's finest works in that form, and the Griller's readings are still desirable, even after the passage of half a century. Haydn's "Bird" quartet is as good, with first violinist Sidney Griller contributing outstanding moments. This is an important release, pleasing for the repertory and interpretations and as an excellent introduction to the Griller's art. --Dan Davis

Album Description

For 34 years, the most eminent of British quartets performed and recorded. From their first public performance in London in 1928 until the tragic death of Philip Burton (viola) in 1961, they courted fame in a country not known for its tradition of chamber music. Towards the end of the '30s, tours of Europe and in 1940 USA, with a debut in New York and NBC contract helped with their growing popularity. After WW2 they were invited back to the USA, this time to Berkeley, and the University of California as a resident teaching quartet.