Search - Franz Joseph Haydn, Mosaïques Quartet, Quatuor Mosaiques :: Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 76

Quatuor Mosaïques

Peter Khan | 11/28/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This set is yet another gem in the series of recordings of the Classical quartet repertoire made by the Quatuor Mosaïques on period instruments. In my view, this quartet has established a sterling track record, placing them among the leading chamber ensembles in the world. Their performances are almost invariably impeccable, with interpretations that are stylistically informed, thoughtful, and deeply musical, and with performances betraying complete technical mastery.



This latter is all the more astounding when one considers that they by and large avoid resorting to the constant vibrato that has become the crutch for most modern classical performing artists. Most modern quartets play "sort of" in tune and cover up the difference with constant vibrato, a practice that was considered tasteless in earlier periods, if it was used at all. The Quatuor Mosaïques takes the risk of playing the pure harmonies of the Classical repertoire without vibrato, and they play with faultless intonation--they are practically the only quartet in existence that can do this. The payoff of their "vibrato-less" approach is subtle but deeply rewarding: their performances achieve a wide range of fine tonal---and ultimately emotional---shadings appropriate to this repertoire that are beyond the reach of most leading quartets.



It is a complete mystery to me why this group is not considered by American critics as one of the leading quartets in the world. Perhaps this is largely attributable to the fact that they rarely traveled to the United States and make no comprises to marketing gimmicks.









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