CASTING DARKER SHADOWS................
Melvyn M. Sobel | Freeport (Long Island), New York | 11/07/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What frighteningly original and penetrating performances these are! Here is a Mozart whose despair and melancholy are no longer glossed over, nor disguised, nor dismissed. No. This is dark, revelatory stuff to wrestle with; this is the Mozart who, within a few years, would be dumped into an unmarked grave; this is a Mozart whose brooding shadow is far more akin to Beethoven than congenial "Papa" Haydn. No sunny breeze blows through the quartets here, as we are used to. The Emersons reach down into the very heart of the composer and pull from it a view of Mozart, the man, that is both beautiful and unnerving. This is a bleak Mozart, a Mozart caught between the foibles of his character and the musical genius of his mind; a Mozart teasing the throes of poverty; a Mozart plagued by the self-doubt that hung on the public recognition that always just seemed to escape him.
[Running time: 56:32]
"
Terrific Music, Not a Great Value
Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 07/12/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The Emerson String Quartet is one of the most successful andpopular chamber groups of the 90s. While this recording may notreceive as much critical acclaim as their Bartok, Schubert or Shostakovich recordings, these Mozart "Haydn" Quartets are played dynamically. My only reason for not awarding a fifth star has nothing to do with the content of the music, but instead with the value of this purchase. Many prospective buyers may want to opt for the Julliard String Quartet's 3CD "Haydn" Quartet performance. With this CD you get two pieces, whereas with the Julliard you get 6. However, with either choice you are getting terrific music."
Entertaining
Sanja Kostic | mirro | 11/23/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Molto Allegro is merely contrapuntal work like Molto Allegro of Jupiter Symphony. So, for guys it is pants in fire to make it work and stay in tune. Not only they force devilish tempo, but they cream it with expressiveness and accelerations- awesome!! Energizing, catchy and very entertaining!!!"
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1
