Sound 9      Record 9     Repertoire 10      Interpretation 9

“… These four artists have a real sense of partnership, each instrument bringing respectful attention to the others which provides a beautiful listening balance…”

“… I enjoyed the insights into works which I thought I knew pretty well. The Chandos recording is beautifully warm and natural.”

“… The contrast between the two quartets is exceptional … And it is this contrast that is so brilliantly captured on this recording. Frederico Colli’s contribution, while never less than acutely alert to his colleagues, is a marvel of the most concentrated vitality. It is also never less than characterful… the sense of total harmony and integration among all four players is complete, and is particularly evident given Chandos’s superb sound…”

“… The principal protagonist, pianist Frederico Colli , contributes some assured, characterful and cleanly articulated playing on a bright-toned Steinway; his illustrious string-playing colleagues … assist him admirably in forging perceptive interpretations that are convincingly paced, stylish, eloquently shaped and tastefully embellished…”  

“…The lineup is something of a supergroup of rising soloists … Together they are as balanced a team as one could ask for, Ridout’s viola singing out as warmly and almost as brightly as Dego’s violin so that their exchanges are ideally weighted. The playing is imaginative and detailed; repeated sections are never done the same way twice, and the four play off each other in adding the odd ornament or decoration… this is chamber-music playing that really has something to say, and it’s never complacent.” ****

“…this one exhibits a distinct personality. Each of the two performances has a chamber-music intimacy, sensitive or lightly playful as the music demands…” ****

“…The performances are sparkling group achievements … splendid showcase for the musicians’ substantial gifts and for Mozart’s never-ending genius.” ****