Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 20, Volume 2, Nos. 1, 4 & 6 - RES10262

Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 20, Volume 2, Nos. 1, 4 & 6

Regular price £12.99
Total playing time [66:16]

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Dudok Quartet Amsterdam
Judith van Driel (violin 1)
Marleen Wester (violin 2)
Marie-Louise de Jong (viola)
David Faber (cello)

Following their acclaimed first instalment of Franz Joseph Haydn’s six Op. 20 string quartets, the Dudok Quartet Amsterdam returns with the remainder of the works from this hugely significant collection – the E-flat major, D major and A major quartets.

Earning Haydn the title of the ‘father of the string quartet’, these works are said to have defined the medium for the next 200 years. It is in his lauded Op. 20, where Haydn connects old and new worlds and creates an all-encompassing universe.

Album Booklet (PDF)

Tracklist

Quartet in E-flat major, Op. 20, No. 1, Hob III:31
1. Allegro moderato
2. Menuet & Trio
3. Affettuoso e sostenuto
4. Finale

Quartet in D major, Op. 20, No. 4, Hob II:34
5. Allegro di molto
6. Un poco adagio e affettuoso
7. Menuet alla Zingarese & Trio
8. Presto e scherzando

Quartet in A major, Op. 20, No. 6, Hob III:36
9. Allegro di molto e scherzando
10. Adagio
11. Menuet & Trio
12. Finale: Fuga con 3 soggetti

'Performances that combine technical polish (immaculate tuning, balance and ensemble), boundless vitality and a lively response to the specific character of each movement [...] I was exhilarated by the mingled virtuosity, finesse and coursing energy of these performances.'

- Gramophone

'Overall, I’d say they’re exemplary, and especially delightful in their telling of Haydn’s impish jokes. The Dudoks will make you laugh out loud with their stuttering stops and starts, and every now and then their sudden, unexpected, splat-like pratfalls. The Dudoks get it, where so many ensembles don’t. Very strongly recommended.'
Fanfare

'Performances that combine technical polish (immaculate tuning, balance and ensemble), boundless vitality and a lively response to the specific character of each movement [...] I was exhilarated by the mingled virtuosity, finesse and coursing energy of these performances.'
Gramophone

'There is always much care in ensuring that all inner lines are clearly heard, and this is evidenced in the opening of the First, where first violin is suitably reticent until introducing the second, more positive theme. The use of delicate accompanying figuration is also a feature and there is plenty of subtlety when it comes to phrasing.'
Classical Source

'Listen to the young Dutch quartet's joie de vivre in the miniature gypsy minuet and try no to smile in the madcap whirligig scherzando. The Dudok's variety of tone and colour brings out the solemnity of No.6's fugal finale while the lighter No.1's Affettuoso et sostenuto is sveltely beautiful. For a recording on modern instruments this is the set to get.'
Midlands Music Reviews

'This is the second CD covering Op 20 and is as impressive as the first with its intelligence and humanity. Worth seeking out immediately.'
Lark Reviews

'[...] an exceptional level of unity between the players, and the stylish playing makes them a pleasure to listen to.'
The Classic Review

Credits
© 2020 Resonus Limited
Ⓟ 2020 Resonus Limited
Catalogue No. RES10262
Producer, engineer & editor: Adam Binks
EAN: 5060262792360
Cover photograph: Marco Borggreve
Release date: 1 May 2020