The
Pro Arte Quartet Recorded in 1938, released as HMV 78s,
D.B.3768-3774
Matrix
numbers: 2EA: 7213-7222, 7246-7249
Takes: All first takes except DB3769 side 1: take 2
Download ID: 184067, 388862
(Duration
58'36"")
Quartet
in B flat major, Op.1 No.1 ("La Chasse")
Quartet
in E flat major, Op.20 No.1
Quartet
in B flat major, Op.55 No.3
Quartet
in B flat major, Op.76 No.4 ("Sunrise")
Play
sample movement:
With
this final volume, one of the great between-the-wars classical recording
accomplishments is complete, available in sound, the clarity of which
the original 1938 purchasers could have no conception. This recording
of 29 Haydn quartets is equal in artistry to the "potted" Wagner
Ring of Walter/Blech/Heger/Collingwood, the Schnabel Beethoven Sonatas
and the Hugo Wolf Society, the other great recorded monuments of the pre-World
War II years. Like the Schnabel Beethoven Sonatas, it is possible to say
that the Pro Arte Haydn quartet performances may have since been equalled,
but never bettered.
Op.
1 #1 Haydn's first numbered quartet begins with a joyous allegro which
leads to an equally joyful minuet. A first violon driven serious serenade
gives way to a minuet and a very short presto with stretti.
Op.
20 #1 This wonderful opening quartet to Haydn's "Sun" series begins
with a genial, contrapuntal first movement and is followed by a very forthright
minuet. A luminous slow movement, one of Haydn's greatest, is followed
by a mellow finale with a strong development section.
Op.
55 #3 A very searching opening theme is subjected to a rigorous development
and a varied recapitulation. A rather conventional andante is followed
by a rapid yet pensive minuet. The finale is rapid with high violin trills
accompanying thematic development in the lower instruments.
Op.
76 #4 "Sunrise" A slowly rising opening theme in the first movement gives the quartet
its nickname. The theme is treated to superb modulations in the development.
A deeply beautiful slow movement continues with constantly changing textures.
A rustic and powerful minuet leads to a monothematic finale ending in
a brilliant fugue. One of Haydn's greatest quartets.
Notes
and review: Bill Rosen
Find
out more:
Quartet
in B flat major, Op. 76 No.4 Finale (Allegro ma non troppo)
