Album

Recorded in 1989 and re-released 20 years later for the composer's bicentenary, these performances of Mendelssohn's first two string quartets by the Gabrieli String Quartet have a touch of the Old World charm that the Budapest Quartet used to bring to its performances. There's a warmth to the ensemble, a sweetness to the tone, and a mellowness to the interpretations that is not much cultivated these days. How well this approach succeeds in Mendelssohn is up to the listener. For some, it will be just the thing for these richly romantic works, and the Gabrieli's lush Adagio non lento from the Opus 13 Quartet and the sentimental Canzonetta from the Opus 12 Quartet will be deeply gratifying. For others, more drive would have been appropriate in the Opus 13's closing Presto and Opus 12's closing Molto allegro e vivace. Still, as recorded in opulent digital sound by Chandos, these performances are likely to satisfy many listeners.

© James Leonard, All Music Guide

CD 1
Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy Composer String Quartet No.2 in A-, Op.13 Work 32:01 Gabrieli String Quartet String Quartet
1	1.Adagio. Allegro vivace	8:22			$1.49
2	2.Adagio non lento	9:07			$1.49
3	3.Intermezzo: Allegretto con moto	4:53			$0.99
4	4.Presto	9:39			$1.49
Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy Composer String Quartet No.1 in Eb, Op.12 Work 26:57 Gabrieli String Quartet String Quartet
5	1.Adagio non troppo. Allegro non tardante	8:28			$1.49
6	2.Canzonetta: Allegretto	4:21			$0.99
7	3.Andante espressivo	5:33			$0.99
8	4.Molto allegro e vivace	8:35			$1.49