This is another excellent release by the Kodaly Quartet in the cycle of recordings of the Haydn String Quartets. This time it is the Op 55 set.
Once again this is a fine recording at a budget price from Naxos. The No 1 quartet is excellent throughout each of the four movements. The opening Allegro is lively and bright and sets things off to a good start. The No 2 quartet "The Razor" is a great example of the composers ability in this medium and of the masterly ability of the Kodaly Quartet to interpret these compositons.
The excellent Kodaly Quartet have created some fantastic recordings for Naxos records. And the cycle of Haydn`s String Quartet recordings is a major project.
These are first rate performances and recordings at a budget price. In no way are these bargain priced recordings inferior to those from the bigger record companies. These recordings offer high quality digital sound and excellent presentation.
This recording shows how the Kodaly Quartet are enjoying the music and this comes across to the listener. The performance is lively, cultivated, polished, warm and sensitive. The Kodaly Quartet give a great deal of projection and emotional force. There is a great spontaneous feel to these recordings.
The recording is vividly real and the ambience is great. The production is well balanced.
The dramatic opening and closing sections make a strong impact and the seven slow movements offer dramatic expression. And there is clear and intense control on these movements.
The recording was made in 1990 at the Hungaroton Studios in Rottenbiller street Budapest. And this release is wonderful.