Franz Joseph Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 33 Nos. 1, 4 & 6 - Quatuor Mosaïques

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
These are very good performances of a major set of Haydn String Quartets, played on period instruments and conveniently grouped on two CDs. The group plays Haydn with respect and dedication, careful attention to detail, and excellent balance, so that you can hear the ingenuity of Haydn's part writing. But I want more in my Haydn playing--a sense of adventure and discovery and a few surprises here and there. This playing is too smooth for surprises. If you want greater vigor, try the Tatrai Quartet on modern instruments performing Haydn, or the Salomon Quartet on period instruments performing the String Quartets, Opus 33, Nos. 1-3 and Opus 33, Nos. 4-6, and Op 42. --Leslie Gerber --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Tracks:

Qt in D, Op.33 No.6: Vivace Assai
Qt in D, Op.33 No.6: Andante
Qt in D, Op.33 No.6: Scherzo (Allegretto)
Qt in D, Op.33 No.6: Finale (Allegretto)
Qt in B, Op.33 No.1: Allegro Moderato
Qt in B, Op.33 No.1: Scherzo (Allegro Di Molto)
Qt in B, Op.33 No.1: Andante
Qt in B, Op.33 No.1: Finale (Presto)
Qt in B flat, Op.33 No.4: Allegro Moderato
Qt in B flat, Op.33 No.4: Scherzo (Allegretto)
Qt in B flat, Op.33 No.4: Largo
Qt in B flat, Op.33 No.4: Presto

Amazon.com

These are very good performances of a major set of Haydn String Quartets, played on period instruments and conveniently grouped on two CDs. The group plays Haydn with respect and dedication, careful attention to detail, and excellent balance, so that you can hear the ingenuity of Haydn's part writing. But I want more in my Haydn playing--a sense of adventure and discovery and a few surprises here and there. This playing is too smooth for surprises. If you want greater vigor, try the Tatrai Quartet on modern instruments performing Haydn, or the Salomon Quartet on period instruments performing the String Quartets, Opus 33, Nos. 1-3 and Opus 33, Nos. 4-6, and Op 42. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Superb Baroque Chamber Music.......2007-02-18

These two discs covering Hayden's Opus 33, with 1,4, and 6 on one issue and 2, 3, and 5 on the other issue are simply great listening. They are easily comparable to the masters of the medium such as Mozart and Beethoven. Both discs are done with 'sur instruments d'epoque' (instruments of the period) and while my ear is not trained well enough to spot the characteristics of the period instruments, I really prefer hearing works as the composer intended, much like listening to liturgical music recorded in a church.

Both discs were very highly reviewed in periodicals when they were released, so to this I add that to my ear, they are very pleasant listening.

Astounding.......2002-11-02

I disagree with the editorial review above. The playing here is incredibly searching and sensitive. It has plenty of bite when called for. Every phrase is shaped and articulated. It is as if the quartet is talking to you. Just extraordinary.

The recording is the best recording of a string quartet I own, and one of best recordings I have ever heard, period. Perfect balance and space.