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Site review by Polly Nomial August 20, 2012
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Performance: Sonics (MC): |
As the title indicates, this is the first volume in a projected cycle of all Mendelssohn's string chamber works (including the quintets and octet) to be presented on 4 discs.
The present volume includes the first two numbered quartets and closes with the early quartet completed when Mendelssohn was barely 14! As correctly mentioned in the notes, all three works pay tribute to Beethoven's contributions to the genre and there are many audible melodic devices employed that tip Mendelssohn's hat firmly in the direction of the older master. The playing is predictably fine, tempo choices always finding the right level of movement or stasis; this is perhaps is best illustrated by the second movement of Op. 12 where the Allegretto has just a delightful bounce before the "piu mosso" section takes wing in the best Midsummer Nights Dream mode. Especially in the slow movement of Op. 13, the whole ensemble get to demonstrate their ability to spin a lyrical line with ardour and restraint simultaneously & show little sympathy with many of the aesthetics of the HIP movement. This leads neatly to the one area that some may quibble about: the Mandelring's seating is unequivocally mid-C20 (vln 1 - v1n 2 - vla - vc; left to right) and some of the interplay between the two violin parts is inevitably downplayed. The observations of the dynamic markings are scrupulous and add greatly to the excitement as they seem to be able plumb ever greater tonal depths at either end of the dynamic spectrum. Perhaps most impressive of all is the respect shown by the Mandelring's for the unnumbered quartet of 1823, which although written some 2 years prior to the great octet shows the rapidly growing style of the young Mendelssohn. They play it with the same professionalism and joy that characterises their other performances.
Audite's sound is good; full yet clear with easy location of the players possible.
Recommended if one is not a die-hard HIP fan.
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Copyright © 2012 John Broggio and SA-CD.net
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