Jerusalem Quartet - Haydn: String Quartets, Vol. 2 (2011)

Although the initial Harmonia Mundi release of the Jerusalem Quartet's performances of Haydn's string quartets was not described as the first volume of a series, the second volume is prominently labeled as such, suggesting that the first disc was so successful that label decided to release a follow-up to beef-up its Haydn catalog for the 200th anniversary of the composer's death in 2009. Any listener who enjoyed the group's first volume will surely enjoy the second. As always with the group's releases, the playing is first rate. The Jerusalem Quartet has a warm but focused tone, a rich but incisive sound, a tight but flexible ensemble, and a wholly cogent approach to rhythm and tempo; these are model quartet performances. As in the earlier releaase, the group's interpretations are deeply expressive. In the slow movements of Op. 33/3, and particularly of Op. 76/5, they articulate passionate emotions that listeners might not have suspected were in the music. Listeners who feel that Haydn's music is emotional without being overtly expressive may find that the Jerusalem Quartet's interpretations cross the line into sentimentality. Therefore, listeners unfamiliar with the Jerusalem's first volume may want to sample this one before committing. Harmonia Mundi's 2009 digital recording is clear, clean, and evocative.