Pictures on Silence critic, Don Clark, has released his “Baker’s Dozen Best Recordings of 2014” list and included our Brahms & Schumann: The Piano Quintets and Bartók & Kodály: The Complete String Quartets recordings!
Brahms & Schumann: The Piano Quintets
“The talented Alexanders and brilliant Joyce Yang take on two towers of 19th century chamber music, the Brahms Piano Quintet in f Op 34 and the Schumann Piano Quintet in Eb op 44. Frankly any recording that elicits a positive comment about Brahms from me is worth noting. No stodgy, elegant (read dull and technical) readings here, these are gutsy, lively, exciting and maybe even a bit edgy performances. Excellent production, including concise yet informative notes.”
Bartók & Kodály: The Complete String Quartets
“While we have the excellent Alexanders in front of us, mention must be made of this always intelligent, intense, musical, satisfying and well recorded set. Add this to the list of recordings that challenge and maybe surpass the classic Julliard recording of the Bartók cycle. Combine the fine and less well known Kodály quartets and you have a special release indeed.”