Search - Haydn, Takacs Quartet :: Haydn: String Quartets Op. 77 Nos. 1 & 2; String Quartet Op. 103 [Australia]

Very good op.77 from the original Takacs

J. Grant | North Carolina, USA | 05/15/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Haydn's Op.76 and Op.77 are some of the finest pieces for string quartet ever written, and here we have a special rendition of the two quartets that comprise Op.77. This recording is made by the Takacs original lineup of Gabor Takacs-Nagy, Karoly Schranz, Gabor Ormai and Andras Fejer. For a bit of history of this piece, Haydn, while tutoring Beethoven, was working on what was supposed to be six quartets (he only completed these two) for Prince Lobkowitz. Interestingly enough, at this same time, Beethoven was composing his Op.18 for the same prince (lucky dog). What sets these quartets apart from Haydn's previous quartets is that they were the first to incorporate a scherzo instead of the usual minuet. Not wanting to be accused of "borrowing" from Beethoven, however, he didn't use the term scherzo. Anyway, I thought that was a bit of interesting info, although it really has nothing to do with reviewing this CD, which I do highly recommend. Admittedly, I haven't heard but a handful of other versions, but I prefer this one by far of those that I have heard. As for the six quartets of Op. 76, my favorite is by the Tokyo Quartet, which is oop because the folks at Sony are apparently idiots. They are sitting on a treasure trove and won't reissue some of the finest recordings ever made by the likes of Szell, Ormandy, Casals, Stern, Rose, the Tokyo, Fleisher and the list goes on and on."

Haydn's Op.77 nos.1 and 2 and Op.103

Leslie F. Wolf | New Haven, CT | 06/02/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a recording of three string quartets by Joseph Haydn. The string quartet was pioneered by Haydn, and this recording provides a great introduction to Haydn's work in that genre. The quartets are played by one of the most accomplished string quartets around, the Takacs Quartet. The Takacs Quartet was founded in 1975, and over the last thirty-five years it has produced a large body of high quality recordings. This recording, which features all of the original members of the group, is no exception. I really cannot say enough about this recording. It is simply stunning. The first and second quartets (Op. 77 nos. 1 and 2) rank among the best string quartets ever composed. Indeed, I would go so far as to say that the first quartet (Op. 77 no.1), if not also the second (no.2), ranks among the best works of chamber music ever composed. The third quartet (Op.103) is good, but it is not as good as the other quartets. It is also rather short, consisting of only two movements. (The liner notes indicate that the two movements of Op.103 were part of a projected quartet that Haydn left unfinished.) I will now say a few words about the pieces. The first and second quartets are both characterized by a striking intelligence in all their movements. Moreover, the first, third, and fourth movements of the first quartet burst with an incredible energy, and they also contain some of the sunniest music that you are likely to hear. The effect is thrilling. The second quartet contains some lively movements too, but overall the piece is not as energetic as the first quartet. The fourth movement of the second quartet is the liveliest; it contains some wonderfully spirited passages. (Here is an excerpt from the liner notes: "One of the most striking features of the two Op.77 quartets is their inclusion of a movement in the dynamic new scherzo style, in place of the traditionally slower minuet." One can only be thankful for the results of Haydn's continued experimentation.) The slow movement of the first quartet (its second movement) is a pensive adagio; the slow movement of the second quartet (its third movement) is an affecting andante, also pensive. So much for the pieces themselves. The performance of the pieces by the Takacs Quartet is sublime. The playing is passionate, and it successfully conveys the richness of the quartets. Finally, the sound engineering is generally of good quality. The instruments usually sound crisp, though I felt there were some passages in which the cello was muted. Bravo Haydn!"