Haydn Quartett

The first two of the three string quartets of Mendelssohn's Op. 44 were recorded by the Cherubini Quartett in 1990. With its transparent textures, elegant phrasing, and refined execution, the ensemble is temperamentally suited to this music, which seems to require those qualities above others. While Mendelssohn acquired many advanced compositional techniques from studying Beethoven's quartets, he never presumed to plumb the master's spiritual depths, and preferred instead to emulate the Classical gentility and poise of Haydn and Mozart. The String Quartet No. 3 in D major, Op. 44/1, is predominantly exuberant and optimistic, and the Cherubini Quartett delivers it in a light, effervescent style, and only occasionally touches on the deeper passions that Mendelssohn prized in this work. More serious and fervid in expression, the String Quartet No. 4 in E minor, Op. 44/2, evokes the tense emotions of eighteenth century Sturm und Drang. The Cherubini Quartett renders the work with a darker coloration and richer tone, but these shadings neither interfere with the clarity of the parts nor weigh down Mendelssohn's fleet lines.

Haydn’s Seven Last Words – a cycle of sacred adagios – has been lucky on record. There are excellent recordings no matter how you like the piece: in oratorio form (Jordi Savall, dramatic), the original orchestral (Riccardo Muti, dark-hued) or – most abundant – wide-ranging string quartet interpretations, from the poetic and period-instrument (Quatuor Mosaïques) to the intensely inward (Rosamunde Quartett). Cuarteto Casals has a quirkily formal sense of phrasing that can take some getting used to. Yet this group – from Spain, where the piece was premiered in 1787 – offers an alluring rendition in terms of timbre and texture, with the quartet’s period bows drawing out a sound that’s complex and vulnerable.

What a pity that Vol. 3 of string quartets by George Onslow (1784-1853) is the last in the survey. It may just be the best of the three, including Onslow’s great early C minor quartet op. 8, and two other top-notch specimens overflowing with melody, excitement, and power. If you’re new to Onslow, this program is the perfect introduction to his variegated talents and expressive aims. The Mandelring Quartet is a spirited and persuasive team playing from the heart; three members of the quartet are siblings and their father was an Onslow scholar.