Kodály Quartet

“Overshadowed by four dozen later masterpieces, Haydn's Op 9 has usually received short shrift from players and commentators. The most familiar is the D minor, No 4, described by Hans Keller as 'the first great string quartet in the history of music'. The minor mode at this period (1769-70) invariably drew something special from Haydn, and this work stands apart from the others for its intensity of expression, its mastery of texture and development and the sheer character of its ideas. The opening Allegro moderato could well have been at the back of Mozart's mind when he came to write his own great D minor Quartet, K421. The Kodály Quartet is, as ever, a sympathetic Haydn exponent, impressing with its slightly old-fashioned warmth of sonority, the natural musicality of its phrasing and care for blend, balance and intonation, though the boomy church acoustic hardly helps.” Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010

“As ever they [the Kodaly Quartet] are sympathetic Haydn exponents.” Gramophone Magazine

“Overshadowed by four dozen later masterpieces, Haydn's Op 9 has usually received short shrift from players and commentators. The most familiar is the D minor, No 4, described by Hans Keller as 'the first great string quartet in the history of music'. The minor mode at this period (1769-70) invariably drew something special from Haydn, and this work stands apart from the others for its intensity of expression, its mastery of texture and development and the sheer character of its ideas. The opening Allegro moderato could well have been at the back of Mozart's mind when he came to write his own great D minor Quartet, K421. The Kodály Quartet is, as ever, a sympathetic Haydn exponent, impressing with its slightly old-fashioned warmth of sonority, the natural musicality of its phrasing and care for blend, balance and intonation, though the boomy church acoustic hardly helps.” Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010

“Their simple eloquence in all three slow movements serves Haydn well...all the finales here are superb, showing Haydn at full stretch.” Penguin Guide

“It is impossible not to enjoy this.” Classic CD

“Beautiful rich string-textures.” Penguin Guide

“That's where these Naxos recordings - at super-bargain prices - come in. The Kodaly Quartet delivers the smoothest, warmest performances ... discover a whole new world of Haydn quartets, sonatas and symphonies .. well worth investigating.” Dallas Morning News

“This disc is further proof of Naxos's impressive ability to produce outstanding recordings at an astonishingly low price. Jenö Jandó's recording of the Trout Quintet, in a version which is based on the first edition of 1829, is buoyant and vigorous.
The string support from members of the Kodály Quartet and István Tóth, despite some rough edges, is generally sonorous and appropriate.
Balance is good, with the piano agreeably highlighted. The result is a performance which is a most desirable acquisition. Although Schubert wrote no concertos, he did write a concertante work for piano and strings which is also included here. Notwithstanding limitations of thematic invention, the Adagio and Rondo makes an attractive coupling. Jandó's sheer enthusiasm for this music provides a compelling alternative to other full-price accounts.” Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010

“Further proof of Naxos's impressive ability to produce outstanding recordings at an astonishingly low price.” Gramophone Magazine

“An impassioned performance.” Classic FM Magazine

“Here the group sounds wonderfully well together, both literally and in the way it feels the music - lots of little details come out clearly and with character, yet without having to be exaggerated. Attractive, worm recorded sound together with playing of such quality make this a real bargain.” Gramophone Magazine

“As with previous entries in the Kodály Quartet's complete set of Beethoven's quartets, volume 5 does not disappoint. ... A very good choice.” Repertoire

“This Naxos coupling is well played.” Penguin Guide