Compared with the majority of modern-instrument ensembles, the English Medici Quartet is a bit rougher in tone in fast movements, more sensitive in interpretation in slow movements, and a tad more buoyant in tempo in the Menuettos. The intonation is warmer in lyrical themes, the attacks harder in developments, and the sense of exhilaration more infectious in climaxes. Does this make this Opus 64 set the one to hear? To be sure, there have been other excellent performances of the works -- old timers will recall with fondness ...
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Compared with the majority of modern-instrument ensembles, the English Medici Quartet is a bit rougher in tone in fast movements, more sensitive in interpretation in slow movements, and a tad more buoyant in tempo in the Menuettos. The intonation is warmer in lyrical themes, the attacks harder in developments, and the sense of exhilaration more infectious in climaxes. Does this make this Opus 64 set the one to hear? To be sure, there have been other excellent performances of the works -- old timers will recall with fondness the Amadeus Quartet's sweet, strong, and tart DG recordings -- but anyone hearing these endlessly inventive works for the first time in the Medici's performances will not likely be disappointed, nor will they likely feel compelled to try others any time soon. Plus, it must be added that EMI's stereo recording still sounds very fresh and immediate in this apparently un-remastered 2007 reissue. ~ James Leonard, Rovi
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Add this copy of Haydn: String Quartets Op. 64 to cart. $24.30, good condition, Sold by Prime Goods Outlet rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Troy, OH, UNITED STATES, published 2007 by EMI Classics.
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