When I read reviews in Fanfare and ARG, I usually read them on a
side-by-side basis; that gives me a little more insight.  This morning,
I was going through the "C" composers on the July-August issues.  Each
periodical reviewed the new Cherubini string quartet recording by
Hausmusik(period instruments) issued by CPO.  The difference of opinions
expressed by the reviewers was so pronounced that I'd like to share them
and elicit some feedback.

The Fanfare reviewer thought that Cherubini's string quartets "fail to
click", "themes are cold and brittle", "Cherubini's genius was better
expressed in his operas and the dramatic C-Minor Requiem".  As for recorded
performances, the reviewer preferred Hausmusik to the now deleted 3-cd set
of all six string quartets poerformed by the Melos on DG ("much reviled in
this and other journals").

The ARG reviewer was of a different mind.  "His themes fall only slightly
below those of Beethoven in their memorability.  There is real inspiration
here and a distinctive cast that makes one wonder why they aren't played
more often.  Concerning the recorded performances the reviewer stated,
"These(Hausmusik) polished readings make me less upset about the deletion
by DG of the superb Melos Ensemble recordings of all six quartets".

My opinion is very much along the lines of the ARG reviewer.  I bought
the DG set a few years ago and have played them often.  I don't find them
"cold and brittle".  They are interesting, relatively complex for the time
period, and loaded with fine melodies which grew on me with time.  Although
I had no recorded alternatives to compare them to, I thought the Melos did
an excellent job; recorded sound was a little brittle, but "adjustments"
took care of that problem.

I was looking forward to picking up the Hausmusik recording, assuming that
I'd likely prefer the period instrument approach.  I was wrong.  I found
Hausmusik a little too relaxed and deficient in excitement compared to the
Melos.

Don's conclusions: Music - Excellent string quartets, definitely not
wallpaper music.

   Hausmusik - Worthy of Purchase.
   Melos     - Must Buy(if you can find it).

Don Satz
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 [I'm with Don on this one.  I've enjoyed the Melos recordings for years.
 -Dave]