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REVIEWS |
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2010 |
Beethoven's String Quartets LIVE - 2 DVDs
"There is little to add, in fact, to my comments on this performance in the CD version, except to say that it is additionally atmospheric to watch them in action in such lovely surroundings.
the slow movement is gloriously expressive ..... The finale is technically astonishing from all four players. By emphasising the charm of the finale’s main theme, the Wihan succeeds in bringing out the contrasts found in this piece more than most. A most rewarding reading.
The “extra” is a fascinating and expertly produced and directed subtitled Czech film that outlines the Wihan Quartet’s origins via recollections from the players themselves, as well as giving rehearsal footage and character portraits of each player." |
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MusicWeb International |
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2010 |
Beethoven's String Quartets LIVE - 2 DVDs
"... the relentless rhythmic bite of the Grosse Fuge is leavened by a lyricism that reveals the sheer beauty that exists alongside the power. There is so much character in these performances: deep feeling, devoid of superfluous sentiment, pervades the Adagio ma non troppo of the ‘Harp’ Quartet, and humour flows through the second movement of op.59 no.1, signified by the gentle grin on the face of the leader.....this is a rare example of the recording gaining from being on DVD." |
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The Strad |
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| 2010 |
Beethoven's Early and Middle String Quartets
"These sets complete the Wihan Quartet's outstanding live recordings of complete Beethoven quartets, ....their incisive, often dangerous playing gives vitality to their virtuosic interpretation." |
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The Observer |
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2009 |
Beethoven's Middle String Quartets
"The Wihan Quartet's live accounts of the Beethoven Quartets are ever stimulating and searching, as this three-disc set underlines. The youth of the quartet surfaces in enthusiasm and a questing, fresh approach that should not be undervalued. The recording reminds me of the techniques used for the Quartetto Italiano's Beethoven cycle - harsh at times but fully revealing of all detail...there is true beauty married to total concentration. The second "Razumovsky", the E-Minor, is given a gritty, determined reading. The first movement oozes energy, while the sublime second is one of the finest things I have heard the Wihans do. The contained ecstasy, the concentration and the tonal finesse are all present and add up to a reading that exudes a maturity far beyond the quartet members' years. The excellence of Leos Cepický's first violin is of particular note: sweet-toned, and with superb articulation." |
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2009 |
Beethoven's Middle String Quartets
"When I reviewed the Wihan Quartet's recordings of Beethoven's late quartets earlier this year, I declared myself impatient to hear the promised subsequent releases that would make up the whole set. The playing is again full of rich colours...What's most impressive, however, is the intelligent shaping of each work, both in terms of large-scale form and internal balance. This ensemble really listens to itself and thinks profoundly about this great art." |
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October 25, Steven Pettitt, The Sunday Times |
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2009 |
The Wihan Quartet are four amazingly talented players from the Czech Republic and their music seems steeped in all things Bohemian and Moravian. Their sound is full, rich and strong with a marvellous attention to balance and phrasing. They produce music of a strong vibrant colour like a bountiful Prague spring and they set the old chapel alight with the fervour of their music. >>> more (Local Secrets Website) |
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Cambridge Summer Music Festival, July 23 2009, Mike Levy, Local Secrets, Cambridge
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2009 |
“...in trying to follow the sonata first movement of Dvorak’s String Quartet No 9 in D minor, which opened the Wihan’s beautifully accomplished recital, I had again that feeling of one’s whole self being put into a state of attentiveness, as though one were never more oneself than at such moments.” ..>>> more
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Greenwich String Festival, April 26 2009, The Sunday Times |
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2009 |
“...the players exposed the bold colours of Martinu’s String Quartet No 2 with vividness.....the slow movement of Dvorak radiated warmth” |
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The Strad |
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2009 |
“...the hall was packed full...and no wonder...[the programme was] delivered vigorously yet also delicately inflected...passionate...so many points to admire.” |
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Musical Opinion |
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2009 |
“...the polished style of the players showed immediately....it was a delight to hear the clear shaping of the themes and the well judged contrasts of phrasing.” |
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Watford Observer |
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2008 |
“...brilliant performance...musical warmth....a convincing balance between intimate and grand expressions” |
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Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
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2008 |
“with a full house ....the evocative adagio and syncopated scherzo, was played with technical excellence by the Czech players. Libor Novacek (piano) joined the quartet for Brahms Piano Quintet ...the performance was greeted with rapturous applause and foot stamping .....for many this was the finest concert for many years at the festival or the winter series”
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The Courier, Leamington Spa |
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