DGG STEREO Original. Amadeus Quartet performs Haydn's String Quartets Nos 72 & 74.
Record is EX+! Cover is EX! 

Haydn: String Quartets Op. 71 and Op. 74 – DGG Stereo ED1 138072 Featuring the Amadeus Quartet

The DGG Stereo ED1 138072 LP presents the renowned Amadeus Quartet performing Joseph Haydn’s String Quartets from Op. 71 and Op. 74. These quartets, written during Haydn’s second visit to London, are masterpieces of the Classical string quartet repertoire, blending structural innovation with spirited character and emotional depth. The Amadeus Quartet, with its warm tone and unified ensemble playing, delivers an authoritative and nuanced interpretation, making this Deutsche Grammophon recording a cherished piece for collectors and fans of Haydn’s chamber music.

About the Amadeus Quartet

The Amadeus Quartet, founded in 1947 and consisting of Norbert Brainin (first violin), Siegmund Nissel (second violin), Peter Schidlof (viola), and Martin Lovett (cello), was one of the leading string quartets of the 20th century. Renowned for their interpretations of the Classical and Romantic repertoire, especially Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven, the Amadeus Quartet was known for its warm, balanced sound, cohesive ensemble playing, and stylistic authenticity. Their Haydn performances, in particular, are celebrated for their blend of technical precision and spirited character, capturing the wit and sophistication that are hallmarks of Haydn’s quartets.

The LP and Its Significance

Label and Pressing: This DGG Stereo ED1 pressing is highly valued for its excellent sound quality and fidelity, making it an important recording in Deutsche Grammophon’s chamber music catalog. The German pressing captures the natural warmth and depth of the Amadeus Quartet’s sound, providing a satisfying listening experience for fans of quartet music.

Sound Quality: The sound quality on DGG Stereo ED1 138072 is superb, with DG’s engineers capturing the full dynamic range and tonal richness of the quartet’s performance. The stereo imaging allows each instrument to be heard clearly, preserving the intricate interplay and delicate phrasing characteristic of Haydn’s writing. The LP’s balanced sound and spatial clarity are highly appreciated by audiophiles, as they create an intimate and immersive experience.

Collectibility: As an original DGG Stereo ED1 pressing, 138072 is highly collectible, especially for fans of the Amadeus Quartet and collectors of chamber music on vinyl. Its rarity, coupled with the quality of the performance and recording, makes it a sought-after item in the classical vinyl market.

About Haydn’s String Quartets Op. 71 and Op. 74

Written in 1793 during Haydn’s time in London, the String Quartets of Op. 71 and Op. 74 reflect Haydn’s maturity and his evolution of the string quartet form. Often referred to as the “Apponyi” quartets, they are celebrated for their bold use of dynamic contrast, innovative structures, and a blend of wit and elegance. Each quartet typically follows the four-movement Classical structure and showcases Haydn’s skill in balancing complexity with accessibility.

Op. 71, No. 1 in B-flat major – This quartet opens with a spirited Allegro that immediately draws listeners in with its rhythmic drive and bright melodic themes. The subsequent movements combine grace, humor, and rhythmic complexity, culminating in an exuberant finale.

Op. 71, No. 2 in D major – Known for its vibrant character, this quartet features a bold first movement followed by a lyrical Adagio, a minuet full of light-hearted elegance, and a lively finale that showcases Haydn’s mastery of rhythmic interplay and thematic development.

Op. 74, No. 3 in G minor, “Rider” – One of Haydn’s most popular quartets, the “Rider” quartet is distinguished by its dramatic opening, lyrical slow movement, and energetic conclusion. This quartet is marked by its intensity and dynamic contrast, capturing Haydn’s flair for creating tension and release.

The Amadeus Quartet’s interpretation of these works captures the unique character of each movement, bringing out the spirited charm, lyrical beauty, and structural elegance that define Haydn’s style.

The Amadeus Quartet’s Interpretation

Technical Precision and Cohesion: The Amadeus Quartet’s performance is known for its technical precision and unified ensemble sound. Their interpretation brings out the rhythmic vitality and balanced interplay among voices that Haydn’s writing demands, allowing each member of the quartet to shine while maintaining a cohesive sound.

Emotional Depth and Expressive Nuance: The quartet’s interpretation reflects the expressive depth of Haydn’s quartets, particularly in the more introspective slow movements. Their phrasing and dynamic control add a level of nuance that enhances the emotional impact of each piece.

Stylistic Authenticity: The Amadeus Quartet’s approach is true to Haydn’s Classical style, emphasizing clarity and elegance. Their interpretation balances the wit, drama, and grace inherent in Haydn’s compositions, bringing a sense of refinement and joy to the performance.

Why This Recording is Special

Definitive Performance: The Amadeus Quartet’s interpretation of Haydn’s Op. 71 and Op. 74 Quartets is regarded as one of the definitive recordings, celebrated for its technical mastery, emotional insight, and stylistic authenticity. Their performance captures the essence of Haydn’s music, making it a valuable recording for any chamber music enthusiast.

High Audiophile Quality: The DGG Stereo ED1 pressing is known for its superior sound quality, capturing the clarity, warmth, and dynamic range of the Amadeus Quartet’s playing. This LP is a favorite among audiophiles for its natural sound and balanced acoustics.

Collector’s Appeal: As an original DGG Stereo ED1 pressing, 138072 is highly valued by collectors. The combination of the Amadeus Quartet’s authoritative interpretation, the historical significance of Haydn’s quartets, and the rarity of this pressing make it a prized item in the classical vinyl market.

Conclusion

The DGG Stereo ED1 138072 LP, featuring the Amadeus Quartet performing Haydn’s String Quartets Op. 71 and Op. 74, is a landmark recording in the chamber music repertoire. The quartet’s refined, cohesive playing, combined with DG’s excellent sound quality, makes this LP a treasured possession for collectors and fans of Haydn alike. Its historical significance, musical excellence, and collectible rarity ensure that this recording remains highly sought-after in the world of classical vinyl collecting.

Record Grading I use the following grades: M/M- Only for still sealed or certain unplayed records NM    Should look very close to unplayed EX+   With very few signs of use EX     Some light signs of use but nothing that should affect the    listening experience VG+   A really nice LP with some signs of use and the can be the odd light click, but nothing major at all VG    There are clear signs of use and there can be some recurring clicks and crackles, but not continously.  G       There are many marks and lines and you should expect that the listening experience will be hampered. But still playable. + and - are used for nuances. P/F    Very rarely used. Only very rare records will be listed in this condition
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