Mozart: The String Quintets - Griller String Quartet, William Primrose

Without doubt this is one of the very greatest chamber music recordings ever made. The Griller Quartet remains a legend among enthusiasts, and it’s easy to understand why. Along with guest violist William Primrose they play with a combination of rhythmic vitality, perfect ensemble balance, and sheer tonal beauty that beggars belief. Leader Sidney Griller, with his touches of portamento here and there and scrupulous attention to phrasing and dynamics, wrings every drop of humanity from his solos: listen to the introduction to the finale of the G minor quintet, as well as its entire slow movement–both breathtakingly gorgeous and heartbreakingly sad. There really are too many memorable moments to describe here: the finale of the D major quintet breezes by with dazzling lightness and wit, while the massive C major quintet has majesty that never turns ponderous or thick despite massively rich textures that at times assume almost orchestral proportions. There’s not a dull or routine second anywhere. The early quintet K. 174 is not included (despite the set’s billing as “the complete string quintets”), and the absence of repeats may bother some listeners more than it does me–but at two discs for virtually no money you’d be crazy to complain. The late-1950s recordings sound as great as anything released today. Sure, there’s a touch of hiss, but the basic sound is of demonstration quality in its clarity and warmth. This is as good as it gets, period.