Haydn: String Quartet, Op. 74 No. 3 in G minor 'The Rider'

“they make a tasty meal of everything, even something as seemingly innocuous as the two-chord gesture at the beginning of Op 74 No 1...The ensemble hasn’t forgotten its Hungarian roots, and there’s always extra flair and bite in their playing when Haydn’s inspiration leans towards folk music (the Op 74/1 finale, say). More important still for success are the musicians’ clarity of line and perfect balance, well reflected in Hyperion’s recording.” The Times, 18th November 2011 ****

“From the perfect weighting of every chord, to buoyant rhythms, and a sense of effortless transparency, even in the fastest music, the Takács ensure that no details are missed, while always preserving the sense of musical whole. Extraordinary.” The Guardian, 24th November 2011 *****

“the Quartet retains much of its 'pre-authentic' manner, with forceful rhythms, full-blooded phrasing, vibrato and a wide dynamic range...Just occasionally the Takacs seem more at home in Haydn's vivacious flights than in his more serene vein...though they unfold the Adagio cantabile of the Quartet in D major, Op. 71 No. 2 with an unhurried fullness and luminosity. Yet the main virtue is that these readings never sound mannered, but alive.” BBC Music Magazine, December 2011 ****

“The outer movements of Op. 74 No. 1...show that Haydn had clearly constructed all his moments, and the Takacs don't stint on them. Or on the moments that are less obvious calls to attention - like No. 2 which, after an imposing eight-bar introduction, settles into what these musicians discern as a work of quieter subtleties, their excellent internal balancing allowing every note and expressive gesture to speak.” Gramophone Magazine, December 2011

“the Takacs play this ever-surprising music with their characteristic imagination, contrapuntal rigour, sensitivity to texture and colour, and, in the dizzying finales, wit. They are the epitome of Goethe’s four intelligent conversationalists, always fresh in their response to Haydn’s astonishing inventiveness.” Sunday Times, 4th December 2011

“These fine Naxos discs.” Fanfare

“The Kodály Quartet plays with evident joy and an easy neatness of ensemble. There's never a hint of routine and the inter-communication is matched by enormous care for detail. Just sample the elegant Andante with variations which form the slow movement of Op 71 No 3, or the witty Minuet which follows, or any of the consistently inspired Op 74 set. The hushed intensity of playing in the Largo assai of Op 74 No 3 is unforgettable. The recordings are wholly natural and balanced within a well-judged acoustic; the sound is of the highest quality and documentation is excellent. At their modest price this pair of CDs is irresistible.” Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010

“these are remarkably perceptive, stylish and penetrating readings that give this glorious music its full due. For a group that has been in existence for only five years this is an especially impressive achievement.” International Record Review

“The young French musicians who make up the Quatuor Modigliani relish their Haydn, as the performances of these three works... demonstrate. At first, I wondered if they were sufficiently alive to Haydn’s humour — until the leader made the grace-note figure in the finale of the Sunrise bray like a donkey. The range of dynamics and colour is wide, the rhythmic tension and drive, in the Rider’s finale and elsewhere, superb. They also give the music space, in the Rider’s visionary slow movement and in the deceptively leisurely opening of the Sunrise.” Sunday Times, 13th July 2008 ****

“These musicians ooze musical insight, unanimity and polish.” The Strad, October 2008

“Refreshing to find this young, rising French string quartet, just five years old, exploring the Haydn treasure chest. To the three mature works chosen (the Sunrise quartet, the Rider, and Op 54 No 1) they bring a crisp attack, congenial eloquence and technical refinement. It’s easy to find Haydn the experimenter here. Harder to spot the composer’s smiles and natural wit. If only the Modiglianis would lighten their touch; then we’d be in Haydn heaven.” The Times, 25th July 2008 ***

“With its immense musical gifts, this foursome has the potential to someday reach the top echelon” The Washington Post