Slender tone, soft, delicate and withdrawn greets you at the start of Schumann’s First Quartet, the Introduzione played Andante espressivo as instructed. Four carefully balanced lines move sinuously even through the many sforzandos on the second page and the hastening into the main Allegro is accomplished without awkward stiffness.

Schumann to Haydn may be a long haul but these musicians adroitly adjust to the different style. Mutual understanding and clarity of execution are matched to an approach perhaps gentler than expected in the first movement. But the Elias make their points and there is no lack of variety in mood, revealingly so in a precise Minuet that gives way to a looser, lyrical Trio, the ornaments played portamento, the second half graced with an alternative repeat. It’s excellent. © 2012 Gramophone Read complete review on Gramophone