BaL 17.02.18 - Haydn: String Quartet in G minor (Op 20 No 3)

[Bergonzi]

As I've often said, most good dealers offer Home Trial on almost anything nowadays, so there's no need for any financially-influenced cognitive bias. Just listen, compare and decide (hopefully having fun doing it...)
Those Marigo Mats have always been offered on a month's SOR basis... and with main components it's a good idea to get the demo model (rather than a brand new one), as it's usually well run-in. Makes the agony of choice a bit easier...!

Great idea. When I've recovered from my present medical predicament I might well give it a try.

[rauschwerk]

I originally chose the Mosaiques in Op 20 because of the Penguin Guide rosette. However, having listened to the Chiaroscuro in the G minor quartet a few times, I have come to prefer them. It's partly a matter of tempi. I like the Minuet to go at a proper Allegretto, and the slow movement to be Poco Adagio (not Adagio) as specified. The Chiaroscuros are just as sensitive as the Mosaiques at their brisker tempi, and they understand equally well the function of rubato.

[verismissimo]

Excellent BAL from Helen Wallace. Chiaroscuro to come through? Lindsays an outside chance.

[Alison]

Bookmakers have stopped taking bets now.

[Keraulophone]

That Mrs Service; she really is a wonder!

[Alison]

If she wants a few more hours work Helen Wallace would make a wonderful presenter for Radio 3.

Perfect voice, intelligence, self unaware.

[Maclintick]

Excellent BAL from Helen Wallace. Chiaroscuro to come through? Lindsays an outside chance.

An object lesson in how to do it -- erudite & entertaining -- all points justified succinctly & often with rapier-like wit. Ms Wallace's observation that one quartet's performance sounded as if "drifting in from a nearby chapel of rest" made me snort with involuntary mirth. Will order Chiaroscuro immediately.

[Alison]

An object lesson in how to do it -- erudite & entertaining -- all points justified succinctly & often with rapier-like wit. Ms Wallace's observation that one quartet's performance sounded as if "drifting in from a nearby chapel of rest" made me snort with involuntary mirth. Will order Chiaroscuro immediately.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

An object lesson in how to do it -- erudite & entertaining -- all points justified succinctly & often with rapier-like wit. Ms Wallace's observation that one quartet's performance sounded as if "drifting in from a nearby chapel of rest" made me snort with involuntary mirth. Will order Chiaroscuro immediately.

I think she was referring there to the recorded sound, wasn't she?

Otherwise, I agree - a BaL in the finest traditions of the programme: all thanks and credit to Ms Wallace, the Chiaroscuros, and Haydn!

[Barbirollians]

Didn't Helen Wallace once edit BBC music magazine ?

[richardfinegold]

Did the Auryn Quartet get a mention?

[teamsaint]

Good BaL ,and I learned a lot, but too much flowery description to be perfect , for me.

Too much elaborate descrition I find unnecessary and unhelpful when comparing recordings.

[Beef Oven!]

A good BaL, not quite up to last week's standard - a little donnish for my taste. But erudite, informative, interesting and enjoyable. I really enjoy Record Review.

I shall be going for the London Haydn Quartet. I actually enjoyed the lack of 'geniality' - that side of Haydn often gets on my wick. And there's a big price advantage with this set.

[Beresford]

An object lesson in how to do it -- erudite & entertaining -- all points justified succinctly & often with rapier-like wit. ....

I seem to remember that Kate Molleson was recently taken to task on this forum for similar rapier-like wit, but that was for Messiaen!!
Also am I alone in hearing in the Chiaroscuro Quartet, and Alina Ibragimova in particular, a tendency to grab at the important notes / cadences? Inelegant.

[Alison]

A formidable opening to the Quartet from the London’s. I wanted to pull the duvet over my head!

Very impressive in its way and demands further invesigation with the winner already downloaded.