Joseph Haydn’s six ‘Sun’ quartets Op. 20 show a blooming of his string quartet writing, setting the high bar for all composers who would follow...

Joseph Haydn’s six ‘Sun’ quartets Op. 20 show a blooming of his string quartet writing, setting the high bar for all composers who would follow due to their variety, unpredictability, and sense of adventure. This release is the first volume in the Chiaroscuro Quartet’s exploration of the ‘Sun’ quartets, and features Nos. 1, 2, and 3. Chiaroscuro Quartet was formed in 2005 by Alina Ibragimova, Pablo Hernan Benedi, Emilie Hornlund, and Claire Thirion. Gramophone called the ensemble ‘a trailblazer for the authentic performance of High Classical chamber music.” The ensemble plays on gut strings and utilizes educated historical performance practices, making them ‘a shock to the ears of the best kind.’ (The Observer)