Search - Joseph Haydn, Quatuor Mosaiques, Anita Mitterer :: Haydn: String Quartets Op 33

Deserves to be as well-loved as Haydn's Opus 76 ...

Ed Brickell | 12/04/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sure, Haydn's Opus 76 -- the "Erody" string quartets -- are immediately likeable and popular with just about everyone who hears them. And why not? They're some of the greatest and most entertaining chamber music ever written. But if you haven't yet tried the six quartets that make up his much earlier Opus 33, you're missing a real treat.This recording is an excellent introduction to some wonderful quartets. These aren't "lesser" works in my book: Haydn's wit, inventiveness, and personality are just as strong here as in the later works. And the Quatour Mosaiques blow the dust off this music with alert, imaginative performances that are some of the best recorded ever.If you like Haydn's Opus 76, are a chamber music fan, or are just looking for some great music you may not have heard before, look no further."

Gramophone Top Pick

Alan Lekan | Boulder, CO | 12/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After waiting ten years since writing his ground-breaking opus 20 quartets, Haydn felt sufficiently prepared to compose something fresh in the quartet genre - and away from the emotive intensity of the trendy "Sturm und Drang" movement that swept through Germany in the 1770's. According to chamber-music scholar Melvin Berger: "In his Op. 33 (1781), Haydn achieved a synthesis of the melodic grace of the courtly style galante, the contrapunctal texture and formal logic of Der Gelehrte Style ('the learned style') and the emotional intensity of Sturm und Drang ('storm and stress') that premiered in his Opus 20 quartets. Indeed, there was something unique and exciting about these compositions to Haydn who announced them as 'written in a new and special way.' One was the appearance of the lively, playful scherzo movement (in place of the traditional minuet) and another the use of what Haydn called 'thematic elaboration' where he assembles several fragments of often contrasting music ideas into one imaginative, organic whole." Haydn was most pleased with his Op. 33 quartets apparently.



Compared to Op. 20, Haydn's Op. 33 quartets are more "subdued" (particularly disc 2 here) with a smoother blend of harmonies and textures and an abundance of flowing melodies. Out of the six quartets, No. 2, 3 and 6 are the most substantial and interesting while No. 1 and 4 can be a bit simple and plodding at times. There are many striking and memorable themes and melodies especially on the first disc that are performed with depth, brilliance and a razor-sharp ensemble by the Mosaiques.



For any of Haydn's Quartets, the Quatuor Mosaiques is a safe choice as all of their recordings on Astree has garnered many awards from both Gramophone and Penguin Guide. Their Op. 20 is one of the great recordings in the classical-period chamber music repertoire. For period-instuments in particular, they are the top choice due to their immensely composed, tonally rich and dynamic readings that set the highest standard for period quartet playing. This Opus 33 set won a Gramophone Award for excellence as was also a top-rated Penguin choice who said this about the Mosaiques: "Those wanting Op. 33 on period instruments can recommended without reservation to the Mosaiques Quartet, whose performances are more penetrating than any of their competitors. Indeed the intensity of the playing is remarkable, with concentration held throughout the widest range of dynamics, and constantly uncovering hidden depths in these works, even the "Joke" Quartet. The superb recording is perfectly balanced." Agreed. Compositions - 4 stars; Performance - 5 stars; Sound - 5 stars."

Award winning performances, great value

M. Bauer | Colorado | 12/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As the excellent review below states, one should not in any way shy away from Haydn's op.33 quartets... superb pieces, very accessible, yet great depth. The Mosaiques Quartet is a (the) premier period instrument quartet of our time. The performances are beautifully balanced, full of energy and understanding of Haydn's great art. Recording quality is first rate. The Penguin Guide and others strongly recommend the Mosaiques, and I have to agree. This is a two disc set of premium performances for the price of a single disc. Not to be missed!"