Two Mendelssohn sets - one is as close to perfection as it gets. The other just misses the mark.

​I have collected many complete Mendelssohn Quartet sets over the years. I have yet to find one that is completely satisfactory.

Until now.

For sheer musicianship and listening pleasure, the set played by the glorious Pacifica Quartet is simply the best I have heard. And it's beautifully recorded.

I find too many recordings of these marvelous quartets to sound a bit aggressive, a bit gruff, a bit forward and in-yer-face. And I am at a loss as to why that is. Sometimes it's the playing (the cello is often the culprit); sometimes it's the recording itself (too close and forward); sometimes it's both. But this one from Cedille Records gets everything right. The playing is sweet, yet vigorous when called for. Specifically, this first violin plays with a lovely, singing sound; and this cellist makes his presence felt with firm, wooden tone - but never sounds gruff or aggressive.

The interpretations flow from a unified source of inspiration and always sound completely natural and spontaneous. Slow movements don't drag; minuets smile with charm; prestos/allegros are exhilarating - quick and fleet, but never breathless. Perhaps "light" is a good word - as in, the opposite of heavy. But most of all, these readings are infused with graciousness. And it suits Mendelssohn perfectly. The warm recording compliments the playing beautifully. The acoustic places the group at a perfect perspective within the hall, with a tangible presence, but with plenty of space and air around the players. 

Do not hesitate to acquire this set. It is truly wonderful in every way. The only thing I could have wished for was a 4th CD containing the Quintets.

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The other set I am listening to, from the Mandelring Quartett, does give us that extra disc including the 2 Quintets. That is a big plus in its favor. However, despite the nice, complimentary review quotes Audite found to print on the back of this box, I wouldn't call this set "definitive".  Gramophone likes it for whatever criteria they use to like or dislike recordings (which, in my experience, is often not based solely upon musical merits). 

I've tried listening to this set several times. But, as much as I want to love it, I always come away feeling a bit chilly. This group plays all the notes - expertly. But something is lacking. It's a natural warmth and apparent love for this music that I miss. Instead, I hear a kind of detached coldness. And the close recording perspective doesn't help, making it a touch aggressive. This music certainly doesn't lend itself to that kind of treatment. Energy, yes! But a forward pushiness - no.

The Quintets are more satisfactory. The extra warmth provided by a second viola is just what's needed. I will hang on to this set for this 4th disc alone.

It's worth noting, the original Audite single releases were multi-channel hybrid SACDs. The 4 discs in this box are standard stereo CDs. This alone may actually be exacerbating the chilliness and the feeling of being too close to the players. I have not heard the SACDs, so cannot compare.

The playing of the Mandelring Quartett is accomplished and at all times professional. Tempos are logical and musical. I just wish their playing expressed a bit more feeling and warmth.