The Sacconi Quartet presents a new recording of three of Beethoven's masterful early string quartets, opus 18 nos 1, 4 and 6. These early masterpieces not only demonstrate his skill and mastery of the medium as developed by Haydn and Mozart, but also explore new musical territory.

• "Hearing the precision and vitality it brings to these quartets makes its success easy to understand. It has already achieved a surprisingly well-balanced sound that can blend together and separate out into distinctive parts with marvelous fluidity. The interpretations are energetic but controlled, never playing fast for the sake of bravura. Recorded sound throughout the disc is clear and resonate. This is certainly an ensemble to keep an eye on, with hopes that more of Beethoven's quartets will follow." Allmusic.com

Haydn's masterful opus 54 quartets complete. Written for virtuoso violinist and friend of Haydn's Johann Tost, these quartets feature florid and virtuosic writing for all four parts - truly a conversation between four musical voices.

-"These are fascinating works, and the players respond intelligently to ideas that must have startled the more conventional Parisians...This is good Haydn playing." International Record Review, June 2010

-"These are performances to treasure and one awaits eagerly the next release from the ensemble's new label." Classical Music Magazine - 4* review

-"This young quartet is a revelation, playing with a mastery which is quite stunning. These three quartets are superbly performed and brilliantly recorded. They are amongst the best ever recordings of Haydn Quartets." Bob Briggs - MusicWeb International - RECORDING OF THE MONTH - read the review

-"There is a concentration on the detailed changes of character of the music as it evolves, and a clear headedness about the performances that is both invigorating and involving... Quartet playing and music of this quality is rare on disc, which rises well above the routine or merely adequate." John Sheppard, MusicWeb International - read the review