All shall not die : Haydn string quartets

"Quatuor Hanson give the Op.76 No.2 Quartet their all, dancing happily across the jaunty opening movement where the minor tonality is belied by the sheer vivaciousness of Haydn's writing, tip-toeing with consummate delicacy over the delightfully cat-like second movement, boisterous and bucolic (in a measured sort of way) through the polyphonic dispute which frames the 3rd movement and the hen-like clucking which forms the movement's Trio, and skating with delicious fluency over the slippery finale. On this performance alone, this recording stands out ... All-in-all, this is a highly promising debut disc from a relatively new quartet who reveal deeply-thought-out-out insights into the great range of Haydn's string quartet writing".

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"Quatuor Hanson raises the issue of whether everything that can be said in Haydn's music has been said. If considering just op.76 no.2 along the lines of groups such as the Amarti, Emerson or Takács quartets, perhaps not. Whilst each quartet has its own unique sound, Quatuor Hanson comes closest to surpassing the vibrancy of the Takács. Their sound is not that of novices coming to Haydn, but of musicians who understand the structures and balance in the music, playing it with a freshness, seemingly shaped by the quartet forefathers. Whilst this music is not new, they bring a refreshing excitement and originality, packing a strong musical punch with the strength of their musical chemistry. Whether sampling or revelling in the entire album, there is much to delight and treasure".

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"Vurdering: Diapason d'or".