Search - Franz Joseph Haydn, Jerusalem Quartet, Alexander Pavlovsky :: Jerusalem Quartet - Haydn: Quatuor Op. 64 No 5 'L'Alouette' / Quatuor Op. 76 No 2 'Les Quintes' / Quatuor Op. 77 No 1 'Lobkowitz'

Supernaturally good

Mr. Christopher Gill | Melbourne, Australia | 12/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Some performances of Haydn can verge on earnest, as if the musicians are getting the notes but missing the spirit. Haydn is rewarding at any pace. But these recordings are extraordinarily sensitive, and as far from plodding as it is possible to go. The music ranges from joyous and spirited to heartbreakingly sensitive and melancholy. Group playing? - It is simply uncanny how much like one great instrument these four young musicians sound together, it's as if they can read each others minds, the timing is supernaturally perfect even when they take the music at a cracking tempo (as they do!). The vivace which concludes op.64 "L'alouette" is at least foot-tapping or head-bobbing (personally I like to dance to it!). I 'whooped' when they played it as an encore at a recent performance here in Melbourne. Sensitivity? The Andante (2nd movement) of op.76 "Les Qunites" is exquisitely poignant and moving. The sound quality on this recording is outstanding. I only wish Jerusalem Quartet would record ALL of Haydn's quartets, until then I will have to satisfy myself with the work of the Quartor Mosaique. I listen to a lot of classical music, love string quartets and this is the first time I have felt moved to write a review here. Simply beautiful! I'd give it six stars if I could."

Cosmic glory

Linda Theil | Howell, MI United States | 05/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I saw this quartet in Ann Arbor on April 28 and count it one of the most glorious moments of my life. Mr. Gill in his review has said it perfectly, this music is supernatural; these musicians are sublime. And this CD is wonderfully fine."

World class performance

Sheldon Sanov | santa barbara, CA | 03/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a professional musician I would rate this recording as "world class performance". I've never heard a string quartet with such supurb ensemle, faultless intonation and dynamics and music making of the highest order. WOW!!"