Two jewels!

Ferdinand Ries had the chance to meet Beethoven, of being student, friend and biographer; unfortunately, he remained in his shadow to pass, at best, for a epigone. However, he developed a style of his own, seeking the transition from traditional forms inherited from the eighteenth century and the new impetus of romanticism. These two beautiful quartets illustrate how talented composer he was.
The two quartets respect the traditional three-movement. But Ries brings a clean brilliantly at him. The first quartet opens with a lively movement and singing; the four instruments converse with ease, naturalness and elegance. The second movement begins with a delicately statement piano theme, a tribute to Mozart, taken up and developed by a series of variations that combine various instruments. Finally, the end, very serious, avoid excessive overflow virtuosity.
Even more successful, the second quartet opens with a wonderful first movement, a richly polyphonic writing. The piano opens the slow movement in the manner of a Bach prelude, and the piano keeps this role melodic base on which the strings come to rest. Finally, the end is presented as a kind of folk dance with a cheerful piano and plucked strings. The result is brilliant.
Both quartets give delicious to listen to a very nice music, solidly-constructed, touching without falling into a delirious pathos, without being overly bright and virtuosos. The music seems obvious, evident and elegance. Add a sound recording precise, documented trilingual instruction (as always with CPO), and we have a very good record!