String Quartets 14 & 15 / String Quartet Op 33
The Griller was Britain's preeminent string quartet in the 1940s and 1950s, notable for outstanding recordings of quartets by Bloch and Haydn, among others. Dutton's budget release features sophisticated playing whose great technical security is complemented by humane interpretations of great emotional depth. The two Mozart quartets are distinguished by rounded, tonal warmth, wide dynamics, and a generous molding of phrases and melodies. Part of Mozart's series of "Haydn" quartets, they're among the composer's finest works in that form, and the Griller's readings are still desirable, even after the passage of half a century. Haydn's "Bird" quartet is as good, with first violinist Sidney Griller contributing outstanding moments. This is an important release, pleasing for the repertory and interpretations and as an excellent introduction to the Griller's art.--Dan Davis