Search - Franz Joseph Haydn, Amsterdam Quartet :: Haydn: String Quartets Op. 20 No. 3; Op. 74 No. 1, Op. 76 No. 1 [Hybrid SACD]

Full expressive range that Haydn built into the music.

Pure Francis | 02/01/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Performers in Haydn's day had a simple goal: make as beautiful a sound as possible and the fact is, it's possible to play the violin on a period instrument and sound beautiful above the staff, as first violinist Alida Schat shows on this disc. In the first-movement exposition of Op. 20 No. 3, or the gorgeous Adagio sostenuto of Op. 76, her tone actually becomes sweeter the higher it goes. Indeed, the entire ensemble manages to sound at once earthy, as in the finale of Op. 74, as well as elegant encompassing the full expressive range that Haydn built into the music. Their tempo choices are also infallibly right--lively in the allegros but always allowing for characterful phrasing and that sense of suprise so typical of Haydn. In short, this is one of the best recordings of Haydn quartets on period instruments currently available,"