Joseph Haydn - String Quartets Op. 64, Nos. 2, 4 & 5 (Quatuor Mosaïques)

Information

Composer: Joseph Haydn

• (01-04) String Quartet No. 53 in D major "The Lark", Op. 64 No. 5
• (05-08) String Quartet No. 49 in B minor, Op. 64 No. 2
• (09-12) String Quartet No. 51 in G major, Op. 64 No. 4

Quatuor Mosaïques
Erich Höbarth, violin
Andrea Bischof, violin
Anita Mitterer, viola
Christophe Coin, cello

Date: 2001
Label: Astrée (Naïve Classique)

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Review

ARTISTIC QUALITY: 10 / SOUND QUALITY: 10

The Quatuor Mosaïques’ Haydn traversal continues with lovely, lithe readings of three Op. 64 quartets. While No. 5, the “Lark”, arguably is the most celebrated composition of the set, these players lavish equal care and attention on Nos. 2 and 4, and no detail is missed. The result of their devotion to these charming, sprightly works is remarkable. Effervescent rhythms bubble up; melodies sing; the opening Allegro moderato of the “Lark” dances along elegantly. No. 2’s Menuetto allegretto is never rushed, yet its almost ominous sense of forward propulsion contrasts dramatically with the stately Adagio just before and the dazzling Finale Presto that follows.

The first movement of the Fourth quartet is a great example of the musicians’ refined sense of ensemble: they end phrases on a dime, and their shades of emotion shift just as quickly and uniformly. Compared to the Festetics’ version, what is perhaps most exciting is the array of tonal colors and skillful phrasing that these period instrumentalists achieve. Equally impressive is their balance: first violinist Erich Höbart does not dominate over his colleagues, as is the case with so many other quartets. The rich sound, too, is a great improvement over the Quintana recording. This is a very fine addition to the Mosaïques’ discography, and to the Haydn catalog as well. [10/19/2002]

-- ClassicsToday

More reviews:
http://www.amazon.com/Haydn-String-Quartets-Quatuor-Mosaiques/dp/B000063YCZ

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Joseph Haydn (31 March 1732 – 31 May 1809) was a prominent and prolific Austrian composer of the Classical period. He was instrumental in the development of chamber music such as the piano trio and his contributions to musical form have earned him the epithets "Father of the Symphony" and "Father of the String Quartet". Haydn's work was central to the development of what came to be called sonata form. At the time of his death, aged 77, he was one of the most celebrated composers in Europe. Haydn was a friend and mentor of Mozart, a teacher of Beethoven, and the older brother of composer Michael Haydn.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Haydn

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Quatuor Mosaïques is an Austrian string quartet, one of the first string quartets devoted to use of period instruments and authentic performance practices, founded in 1987 by four members of the Concentus Musicus Wien. They specialize in music of the 18th century. The quartet's discography includes works by Arriaga, Beethoven, Boccherini, Boëly, Haydn, Jadin, Mendelssohn, Mozart and Schubert. It has performed works of the early twentieth century, by composers such as Debussy, Bartók and Webern. Their Haydn recordings have received critical acclaim, including several Gramophone Awards.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quatuor_Mosa%C3%AFques

http://www.allmusic.com/artist/quatuor-mosa%C3%AFques-mn0002220907/biography

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