The Festetics Quartet plays on period instruments in a way that enhances Haydn’s harmonic pungency and rhythmic tension–yet they also find time to cultivate a warm, singing tone. This is immensely cultured, intelligent quartet playing, guaranteeing total textural transparency through an absolute equality of balance among the four parts. Tempos can be on the slow side, but always with a purpose. For example, the unusually leisurely opening movement of the famous “Emperor” Quartet allows the players to make the most of the bagpipe-led country dance that forms the climax of the development section, and of the whole movement. As to the music itself–well, the eight and a half quartets included in this generously filled, three-disc set represent a pinnacle of Western music unequaled for their combination of intellect, humor, pathos, and joy. No one else comes close to the wonderful synthesis of emotions that characterizes Haydn’s mature work in the medium that he invented. Not Mozart, not Beethoven–no one. They are, like Shakespeare’s plays, a unique moment in the history of art in which all of their contrasting elements coexist in a state of perfect balance–“classical” in the truest meaning of the word. These lovely performances only serve to confirm their stature. You should hear them.
