The Leipzig String Quartet presents Beethoven’s earliest forays into the string quartet form with first-rate results. Each phrase is well-considered and weighty; the classical-era structure of the Op. 18 quartets is clearly articulated throughout. That’s not to say that these performances are in any way ponderous, though; quite the opposite is true. The rhythm is so elastic that the triplets that open the Adagio of the first quartet virtually swing. Emotions happily run fast and fierce, but there are a few moments in which the Leipzigers’ ferocious energy almost undermines their best intentions. (The crunching violins in the last movement of the Op. 4 testify to that.) The group’s performances are well served by MDG’s remarkable sound–immediate, warm, and dynamic.
One final note, which does not affect either set of ratings: The total lack of liner notes for all three filler pieces is rather annoying. The Schubert and the Mozart quartets are probably familiar enough territory that most listeners will get by without, but the same can’t be said for the work of Andreas Romberg (a peer and colleague of Beethoven). Granted, his quartet is barely four minutes long, but its inclusion might warrant some brief mention.
