Description
The 'heavenly lengths' Schumann loved in late Schubert are as much in evidence in the sublime G major quartet as in the other large-scale works of Schubert's final years. The Takacs Quartet's earlier Hyperion recordings of Schubert were hailed as 'near ideal' and 'superlative' and this new release is every bit as fine.
"the Takacs […] rival the best. Thoroughly recommended." – Rob Cowan
"The major work on their latest release is Schubert's String Quartet No 15 — one of his most grandiose…Structurally and harmonically, Schubert in this mighty piece is always springing surprises, but the Takacs players, always persuasive whatever the twist, take everything in their stride." – The Times
"Where [their] earlier reading seemed to be driven by nervous energy, every rhythm taut, every accent sharply etched, the new one seems much more relaxed, and distinctly less intense...Of course, it almost goes without saying that technically the performance is as precise as ever." – The Guardian ****
"The Takács Quartet offers a harsh, astringent sound, concomitant with the agitated, conflicted nature of the first movement – and I mean that entirely as a compliment; this is not music which begs for any sentimentality or Romanticism." – MusicWeb International
"The Takacs are impressive on this album: every microphrase, every note is considered. Their sound draws you in from the first moment" - Gramophone (CDA68413)
"These are both powerful, brilliantly imagined interpretations, painted in bold, rich colours and shaped with flashing virtuosity" - Gramophone (CDA68400)