The Leopold String Trio

“A delight from start to finish: this is such cultivated and characterized playing, which becomes quite exultant in the finale. It’s also beautifully recorded by Hyperion. Given that, this new set can take a well-earned place at the top of recommendations of these three works” International Record Review

“The G minor Quartet (No 1) opens simply, with Hamelin shaping the line beautifully but unaffectedly, the Leopold players gradually entering, their playing filled with ardour. The Zigeuner-finale is irresistibly ebullient, with a jaw-dropping ending … the other aspect that is so impressive about these readings is the sense of absolute precision, which lightens the textures and keeps edges crisp … Hamelin and the Leopold get to the heart of the matter in the soulful Poco adagio and while they in no way lack heft when it’s needed, particularly in the opening movement, there’s always a dancing quality to their playing which does much to illuminate textures” Gramophone Magazine

‘For freshness, insight and sheer beauty of tone and phrase, this new disc takes the palm … it’s pure joy from first to last and I urge you to add it to your shelves’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘This is a wonderful recording … as good a performance of both splendid works as you are likely to encounter’ (Fanfare, USA)