Complete string quartets

"There are so many good recordings of this great cycle now ... Yet rarely do the Bartók quartets sound so purely attractive as they do here. And why not? Surely every composer aims to attract not repel. Is it too attractive, too euphonious for the great Hungarian modernist? For some the Arcadia Quartet might just be too civilized. But it is a compelling and very beautiful cycle that elbows its way to a place at the crowded top table".

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"Recording of the month: Here we have an interpretation that emphasises Bartók the poet, with tempos that allow the beauty of this music to shine through. Just listen to the third movement of the String Quartet No.2, the first work on the second disc, and this becomes abundantly clear; this is a performance of passion and ... intensity ... They show a great deal of control and focus throughout this recording, as well as a mastery of even the tiniest detail of phrasing. This is an ensemble that know each other well and produce a well honed and pleasing performance ... An excellent recording, one which I will be revisiting regularly, and one which is quickly becoming my go-to recording of the works".

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"If I was asked to recommend a Bartók cycle to a first-time listener intimidated by his spiky reputation, I'd send them straight to the Arcadia Quartet. Even for the aficionado, this spacious, big-hearted vision of Bartók as poet, dreamer and humourist has something distinctive and beautiful to say".