Bela Bartok Quartet No. 5 & Paul Hindemith Quartet No. 4

Product Description Five years after their acclaimed recording of Bartok's Quartet No 4, the Zehetmair Quartet (in a new line-up) play the Hungarians masterly fifth quartet (in which he moves back to a more or less consistent tonality), coupled with Paul Hindemith's Fourth (which is marked by a neo-classicist return to elaborate polyphony and baroque forms, including some dazzling contrapuntal writing). These are land-marks of 20th century chamber music in interpretations of analytical clarity, emotional intensity and flair. Formed in 1994 by charismatic Austrian virtuoso Thomas Zehetmair, the quartet maintain freshness and a sense of real spontaneity by committing the music to heart, and playing from memory. Uniquely, this has been quartet policy throughout all their concerts and recordings. And it certainly contributed to the stunning quality of their Schumann album, winner of some 12 international awards in addition to the Gramophone Record of the Year 2003: "It has an immediacy, passion and excitement that really sets it apart. It is impossible to be unmoved by it" - James Jolly at the Gramophone Awards. "The vividness of the music owes much to these electrifying performances. Amazingly impressive" - Times "The Zehetmairs play with inspirational flexibility and bracing inventiveness" - Classic FM Magazine The quartet's ECM debut of 'Bartók and Hartmann' also netted rave reviews and accolades including the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik and a BBC Music Magazine Editor's Choice. Now a British resident, Zehetmair has made many recordings of major violin works, including a remarkable ECM album of Ysaye sonatas. Personnel: Zehetmair Quartet: Thomas Zehetmair - (violin), Kuba Jakowicz - (violin), Ruth Killius - (viola), Ursula Smith - (cello) Review (4 stars) There's a real rigour and intensity about the Hindemith that are compelling...they have set a new benchmark. -- The Guardian, (Andrew Clements), April 27, 2007 (4 stars) Thomas Zehetmair leads his prize-winning team with a mean, biting bow, through less frequently played items. -- The Times, (Rick Jones), April 28, 2007