Search - Eybler Quartet :: Beethoven: String Quartets Op. 18 1-3

Opus 18 needs little introduction as Beethovens supremely confident first step in total mastery of the Classical String Quartet. From the opening bars of Quartet No. 1 which bristle with curiosity and possibility to the wit and humor of Quartet No. 2 and the suppressed energy and teasing harmonic uncertainty of Quartet No. 3, Opus 18 represents Beethovens only quartet contribution during his first period and provides the listener with a tantalizing glimpse of the extraordinary music that was to follow. The sound of the strings is warm but not overly vibrated or assertive; the articulation is clear but not didactic; the tempos are beautifully chosen, the ensemble perfect, and the intonation absolutely pure. This is music-making that reflects deeply human and attractive qualities good humor, with, and invention. (Tom Moore, Early Music America)