Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 20 "Sun Quartets"

The London Haydn Quartet: Catherine Manson (violin), Michael Gurevich (violin), James Boyd (viola) & Richard Lester (cello)

Haydn’s remarkable Opus 20 quartets are rightfully regarded as landmarks in the history of the string quartet. Throughout the six contrasting quartets the composer employs compositional techniques that were to shape and define the genre.

We witness a deviation in style from the lightness and wit of his previous quartets to a mood of emotional intensity and darker musical imagery. The six Opus 20 works are all individually exquisite masterpieces and demonstrate a composer at the height of creative maturity. They display an astonishing consistency of excellence and a huge variety of form and style, contrasting dynamics and relentless energy. Increasingly polyphonic textures are infused with a sense of drama, and the cello is often freed from its basso continuo roots to a position of prominence.

The London Haydn Quartet is the ideal advocate for these works and gives elegant, radiant and exhilaratingly assured performances.

Haydn:
 String Quartet, Op. 20 No. 1 in E flat major
 String Quartet, Op. 20 No. 2 in C Major
 String Quartet, Op. 20 No. 3 in G minor
 String Quartet, Op. 20 No. 4 in D major 'Sun'
 String Quartet, Op. 20 No. 5 in F minor
 String Quartet, Op. 20 No. 6 in A Major

"The young ensemble plays on authentic gut strings with classical bows. Their thin, supple tone brings out Haydn's melodic line...The commitment of this string quartet to one composer pays off. Their wiry, period tone suits Haydn's melodious, down-to-earth writing. They capture [his] urbane wit and complex intelligence."
Classic FM Magazine - November 2011 ****

"This recording maintains their historically informed, period instrument approach. Once again, preparation has been meticulous...The almost vibrato-less playing is immaculate in intonation and subtly responsive to shifts and contrasts of Haydn's invention."
BBC Music Magazine - December 2011 ***

"Provocative interpretations - of enthralling magnitude."
Gramophone Magazine - Awards Issue 2011