Janacek: String Quartet No. 2 'Intimate Letters'

"Not only is the performance beyond reproach on technical grounds, but also, more importantly, it conveys with almost graphic immediacy the searing passion the 74-year-old composer felt for Kamila Stosslova. The performers demonstrate a similarly convincing capacity to bring to life in the remarkable Second Quartet by the Janacek pupil Pavel Haas" BBC Music Magazine

"These are glowing performances. The Talich's instinctive feel for the music and mutual understanding shines through every bar, and its pacing is beautifully judged...an uplifting, highly desirable disc." Chamber Selection, The Strad January issue

"a highly covetable bargain" - Classic CD

"The Schoenberg Quartet adds that element of emotional daring which makes all the difference in the world. Outstanding." (Gramophone)

“This unusual pairing of quartets…is an effective one, and perfectly suited to the strengths of this fine ensemble. The Heine Quartet brings to both works a sustained intensity and wide emotional range, with clean, clear playing and superb balance. The players adroitly negotiate the mood shifts of Brahms…The players show a judicious and effective use of vibrato…they are abetted by an acoustic that allows both satisfying clarity and fullness of sound…a particularly satisfying performance of the Janácek. This is indeed intimate playing…producing a cumulative depth and complexity of feeling that is profoundly moving.”.” Tim Homfray, The Strad “Chamber Selection”