Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 9 (Performed from the 1790 London edition)

Glorious performances of unjustly neglected works. Haydn's Op. 9 string quartets, recognised by Haydn himself as his first mature quartets, are often dismissed as journeyman works. But they are the work of an already master-composer in his mid 30s, and are full of beauty, invention and wit.. These performances on gut string instruments are ravishing - beautifully phrased and modulated, the string tones warm with burr and buzz, or crisp and zingy. The ensemble playing is flawless but never mechanical. Lovely, human performances that grow on me each time I listen.

I am enjoying this album as I write. The London Haydn Quartet are doing just a great job with this series. Five albums in it looks like I am a committed fan.

Very well played and recorded.

Excellent product worth waiting for

Describing this double CD, Classic FM Magazine states: "Without a doubt one of the all-time great Haydn recordings ..." As a advocate for this composer, I have to agree. These early pieces by "the father of the string quartet" are little known, dating from about 1769 during his early years with Prince Esterhazy, but are nevertheless substantial and powerful four-movement works. The London Haydn Quartet specialise in this repertoire and play on gut strings, using 18th century editions of the scores. Their performances are sumptuous, drawing out every possible nuance. Recordings are superb. A completely recommendable set and great value for money.