Release Date: 09 January 2014
Label: Chandos - 241 / Chandos
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
No of Units: 2
Barcode: 095115183120
Genres: Classical
Composer/Series: Haydn
Description
Haydn's six Op. 20 string quartets are milestones in the history of the genre. He wrote them in 1772 for performance by his colleagues at the Esterházy court and, unusually, not specifically for publication. Each one is a unique masterpiece and the set introduces compositional techniques that radically transformed the genre and shaped it for centuries to come. Haydn overturns conventional instrumental roles, crafts remarkably original colours and textures, and unlocks new expressive possibilities in these works which were crucial in establishing the reputation of purely instrumental music. The range within the quartets is kaleidoscopic. From the introspective, chorale-like slow movement of No. 1 via the terse and radical quartet No. 3 in G minor to the comic spirit of the fourth in D major, each of the quartets inhabits a distinct musical world. For many, this is some of the greatest music Haydn ever wrote.Playing these seminal works is one of the world's finest young ensembles, the Doric String Quartet. As well as having already produced a string of acclaimed recordings on Chandos, the group has been widely praised for its live performances of Haydn's works. The Sunday Telegraph wrote that 'Haydn and the Doric are a perfect match... Unequivocally, these were performances of terrific panache and perception, seeming to get right under the skin of Haydn's creative genius'.
Tracklisting
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra; Halle Choir; John Storgards
Jonathan Aasgaard; Sinfonia of London; John Wilson
Sara Dowling; Aquarelle Guitar Quartet
Dame Sarah Connolly; Joseph Middleton
James Ehnes; BBC Philharmonic; Juanjo Mena
Wilson/Rte Orch/Sinfonia Ldn
Watkins:Bbc So:Gardner
Various
Doric String Quartet
Doric String Quartet
Doric String Quartet
Doric String Quartet
Doric String Quartet
