Performed by Quartuor Mosaiques.
Like so many music lovers, I, too, respond to performances that are astounding.
The music of Joseph Haydn is sublime. And his chamber music served as a learning experience for Mozart and Beethoven.
On this group of CD’s, I am focusing currently on Haydn’s String Quartets Opus 76, number 5. I have this CD loaded in my car, and I listen to this music on trips of an hour, or shorter. It helps with stressful traffic situations, too…
The Largo movement of this quartet is totally amazing. The theme is carried by first violinist Erich Hoebarth in a highly musical, sensitive, and beautifully phrased manner.
Here is what the Gramophone Classical Music Guide wrote:
“Anyone who thinks that period-instrument performance means austerity and coolness should listen to this disc. Here’s playing full of expressive warmth and vigor. The opening of Op 77 No 1 is done duly gracefully, but with a sturdy underlying rhythm and the Scherzo is crisp and alive. Then the first movement of the F major work is beautifully done, with many sensitive details; and the lovely second movement is ideally leisurely, so that the players have ample room for manoeuvrings, and the leader makes much of his opportunities for delicate playing in the filigree-like high music… ”
Let me illustrate:
Here is Haydn’s String Quartet No.1 in B minor, Op.33, as performed by the Quatuor Mosaïques:
Don’t let the image of the man with the Turkish costume on the CD cover fool you: This group is terrific!
Tags: Quartuor Mosaiques, Haydn String Quartets, Op. 76