This week’s release continues our acclaimed series of historic string quartet recordings by the Léner Quartet, presented in a superbly restored 2-CD set by Mark Obert-Thorn. Spanning sessions from 1923 to 1935, the collection features seven quartets—five by Haydn and two by Mozart—performed with the Léners' signature elegance and warmth. The Mozart works, K.387 and K.421, mark the beginning of a broader exploration of their Mozart cycle in future volumes.
Among the highlights is a rare reconstruction of Haydn’s “Lark” Quartet, assembled from two acoustically recorded movements (1923) and a 1928 side-filler, as well as two fascinating versions of the “Fifths” Quartet’s second movement, one acoustic (1925) and one electrical (1935). These performances capture the transition between eras of recording technology and stand as a testament to the ensemble’s enduring artistry.
We also mark the passing earlier this week of piano legend Alfred Brendel, who died on Tuesday 17 June at the age of 94, with a special 20% promotional discount on all his Pristine recordings.