Reviews
I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a Haydn quartet release as much as this one … These musicians sail elegantly through Haydn's big landscape with more than enough power for the big moments and a lovely intimacy for the quiet ones…These are joyful, nuanced, technically superb performances… I can hardly wait for the next installment in the series.
American Record Guide, January 2008 [USA]
10/10
… the entire ensemble manages to sound at once earthy … as well as elegant … Their tempo choices are also infallibly right … this is one of the best recordings of Haydn quartets on period instruments currently available
Classics Today, December 2007 [USA] David Hurwitz
... the melodic lines are perfectly drawn and there is a gorgeously even, almost velvety sound. (translated)
Dutch Early Music Magazine, October 2007 [NL] Marianne Heijmans
Performance *****
The ensemble plays with little vibrato and with the sparkling drive which complements Haydn so well (translated)
Luister, October 2007 [NL] Marcel Bijlo
… beautifully lyrical phrasing … light and witty …
International Record Review, oktober 2007 [UK] John Warrack
… high in technical aptitude and discerning musicianship … spiritedly passionate
Gramophone, september 2007 [UK] Nalen Anthoni
****
… delectably spry in the opening allegros and witty in the finale. These quartets are full of musical surprises and sound fresh-minted as played here.
The Sunday Times, augustus 2007 [UK] Hugh Canning
Luister "10"
Performance ***** / Recording *****
"... what gorgeous playing! … [the quartet members] play fantastically together and form a tight ensemble … All of Haydn’s challenges sound superiorly simple. The result is a delight for the ear..."
Luister, April 2009 [NL] Gerard Schellens
"Haydn zou zich zeker vermaakt hebben ... weer een uitvoering met intelligentie en kracht"
International Record Review, maart 2009 [USA]
the lustrous sound of the period instruments
Post-Bulletin, July 2009 [USA]
[The ASQ] play with period instruments and their now characteristic warm tone, and use a little vibrato where appropriate. Ensemble is tight and it is evident the players have much experience of playing together, the quartets coming over as they should like four friends having a conversation, and the blending in chordal passages is also impressive. A welcome second volume in what I hope will become an ongoing series. Superb!
Audiophile Audition, April 2009 [USA]