This really is one of the supreme classical CD bargains. Normally I don't get near 'Naxos' items, but this is in a special class of its own. The Kodaly Quartet playing these beautiful Haydn works give strong, individual performances throughout. Immaculately recorded natural sound makes this a real discovery in all respects.

Haydn's masterful series of string quartets is of great historical and musical importance. Not only did Hadyn establish the language and structure of the "classical" string quartet (four movements, the first in ABA sonata form, the second an adagio, the third a menuetto and a fast-paced finale), but he also showed that this basic format can be twisted without compromising the whole structure. In this set of opus 71 quartets, the second quartet starts with a slow introduction, which evolves to an Allegro. To somewhat compensate, the slow movement is more cantabile than usual. All opus 71 quartets are a masterful example of the string quartet in its classical format. The music is always inspiring and the Kodaly quartets capture extremely well the different tones and articulations of Haydn's inventiveness. In short, a startling performance of wonderful works at a price that can't be beaten. Could you ask for more?