The London Haydn Quartet - Haydn: String Quartets Opp 42, 77 & Seven Last Words

Haydn's 'Seven Last Words'�heard here in the composer's own arrangement for string quartet�is simply sublime, and a fitting testimonial to thecomposer's deep, enduring faith. It provides an apt and generous coupling for the two magnificent Op 77 quartets, Haydn's final complete contribution to the string quartet genre.

Critical Acclaim:

There is a wonderful immediacy about the London Haydn Quartet's playing here, complemented by superb recorded sound. The ensemble's period instruments, gut strings and considered stylistic approach offer plenty of colour and contrast. � BBC Music Magazine (Performance 4 STARS; Recording 5 STARS)

As well as the buoyancy and silvery quality of the LHQ's vibrato-light playing, there's a real sense of invention � of making music afresh � with a questioning, almost improvisatory quality to the great ascending violin solo at the climax of Op. 77 No. 2's slow movement. � Gramophone

Haydn: String Quartets Op 76 CDA68335:

Some of the greatest, most formally innovative, inventive and deeply felt string quartets ever composed, delivered by a quartet of players of faultless intonation, unanimity and blend. - BBC Music Magazine

String Quartets Opp 71 & 74 CDA68230:

There are moments where it's really stunning and I don't think it could have been done quite so well in any other way...wonderful stuff. - BBC Record Review