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HAYDN String Quartets Op76, no1 in G; No2 in D minor (Fifths); no3 in C (Emperor) The Lindsays   ASV CD DCA 1076 [DDD] [74' 39"]

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Simply wonderful.

These are marvellous, superlative performances of most endearing and endurable music. Haydn's quartets when played like this have no equal. There is such an elegance and polish in the Lindsays' playing as well as a remarkable logic and coherence so that the musical form and structure is clear and beautifully set out.

The slow movement of the G Major is very telling and often quite moving. And I do admire the Lindsays' choice of tempo which is always well judged. No music drags and the allegro movements are just that. There is never any excess, self-indulgence, effeminacy at cadences which ridicules baroque music; in fact, no quirky mannerisms. Even the slightly eccentric presto minuet in the G Major is played 'straight' and therefore makes its point precisely. The finale has some splendid interplay.

And the recorded sound could hardly be better.

The magnificent D minor prefigures the romantic style of composition easing away from the classical and quasi-baroque. From the very opening we know that the Lindsays are going to bring out the passion of this glorious movement. And they do. The counterpoint is realised impeccably and the high spirits of the finale are expertly caught.

The Emperor is not a favourite of mine, but it is also played very well indeed. It is something of an introspective work often described as ceremonial music which genre does not suit the string quartet.

Nonetheless this disc is heartily recommended. I cannot imagine better performances.

Reviewer

David Wright

Performances

Recording


Reviewer

David Wright

Performances

Recording


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