Comparisons
The
Lindsays/ASV, Quartetto
Italiano/Philips
Alban Berg String Quartet/EMI, Kocian
Quartet/Denon
During the period 1782 to 1785, Mozart composed six
string quartets that he dedicated to Joseph Haydn. These "Haydn" Quartets
are Mozart's most popular forays into the genre, and dedicated listening
tells why: perfect architecture, gorgeous melodic lines, a wide-ranging emotional
content for the period, and compelling thematic development.
For their first volume of Mozart string quartets, the
Coull Quartet offers the two 'named' works in the Haydn set along with the
less well-known and rather severe Adagio and Fugue in C minor.
Their approach fits into a very common classification:
fine performances of frequently recorded music that are overshadowed by exceptional
interpretations. In isolation, the Coull Quartet offers very satisfying versions
highlighted by moderate to quick tempos, exuberant outer movements, an abundance
of rhythmic vitality, poignant and comforting slow movements, and a superb
display of Mozart's playful nature. I particularly love the sun-drenched
phrasing they convey in the Hunt Quartet's first movement and the loving
security offered in the second movement Andante cantabile from the Dissonance
quartet. Also, the disc is generously filled-out with a compelling interpretation
of the Adagio and Fugue in C minor that fully conveys the austerity, dotted
rhythms, jagged musical lines and baroque foundation of the work.
However, a few nagging doubts stand out when the comparison
versions are considered. The Kocian Quartet gives the two works a glowing
warmth that is very appealing; the Coull Quartet's readings are somewhat
cool and exhibit a rather thin tone. Coolness also informs the performances
of the Alban Berg Quartet, but their outer movements have an extra degree
of exuberance not found in the Coull's interpretations. Listening to the
Lindsays, the wonderful expressiveness of Mozart's music fully takes shape
as opposed to the Coull Quartet's partial success. Although perfect intonation
is not a strong suit of the Lindsays, their depth of expression has no peer.
My primary issue with the Coull Quartet's readings concerns
first violinist Roger Coull's performances. He often displays weak projection
and a wiry tone. Switch to the Quartetto Italiano's Paolo Borciani and we
hear gorgeous and rich playing of strong projection and expressive detail.
And it isn't only Borciani who offers the more rewarding interpretations;
each of the other three first violinists in the comparison versions conveys
a greater breadth of emotional response and beauty of tone.
I might be a bit too hard on the performances, but,
based on some wonderful recordings the group has made of the chamber music
of Mendelssohn, Walton, Elgar, Bridge and Simpson, I had expected more. Of
course, Mozart is an entirely different composer from an earlier era, and
I do feel that the performances do not generally strike to the heart of the
music except for its playful character.
In conclusion, a new full-priced disc of famous Mozart
string quartets needs to be rather special to compete with the host of superb
alternative recordings, many of them offered at less than premium price.
Unfortunately, I do not detect special qualities in the Coull's Volume 1.
In this case, high quality performances cloaked in an admirable and crisp
soundstage do not win the day. Recommended only to dedicated fans of the
Coull Quartet or those who have a strong interest in the Adagio and Fugue.
Don Satz
The
Coull Quartet 
