Steven Schwartz writes regarding the L'Archibudelli HIP performances of the
Brahms Sextets:

>Summary for the Busy Executive: Clear as a bell, and that may be the
>trouble.

Yes.  It was for me.

While undeniably fresh and invigorating performances, I found myself
wondering how real string instruments would sound, (oops!  did *I* say
that?), in some of the more languorous moments--esp.  the first of the
sextets.

I had the hardest time finding a CD that contained both sextets.  Finally,
I found a Denon CD with the Kocian Quartet and members of the Smetana
Quartet--got the lushness I wanted!

John Smyth