Continuing along the path set by its very good recording of Beethoven’s Op. 18 Nos. 1 and 4, Quatuor Mosaïques offers even finer renditions of the last two in the set. Most immediately striking is the ensemble’s richly sonorous, full-bodied sound–quite impressive considering the use of period instruments. The Mosaïques’ approach to the music is equally robust, with strongly girded tempos and naturally-breathed phrasing. As before, the readings have an 18th-century feel yet paradoxically look beyond the music’s era. Listen to the spare yet expansive treatment of No. 5’s long variation movement–you’ll almost believe you’re listening to one of Beethoven’s late quartets (this wouldn’t be the only time he returned to his early work during his latter days). No. 6 is just as splendid, the slow movement again beautifully elevated, though the outer movements steal the show with their unquenchable vitality. Naïve’s vivid, vibrant recording (from 1995) defines the term “high fidelity”. The Prazak Quartet remains essential for modern-instrument renditions of this music, but the Quatuor Mosaïques provides a strongly engaging alternative view. [11/18/2005]
