This recording was, during the launch of the on-demand listening applications Apple Classical and Presto, one of those that we used to confuse those who claim that the added value of the HD format (24-96) is imperceptible compared to to a good 16 bit-44.1 kHz converted to FLAC. There are so many finesses in the game here (andante du Quintet K.515) that by scrutinizing the ventilation between the instruments, the timbre of the first violin, the sound production by the friction of the bow, we are able to discriminate the quality of the sound source. The happiness of this recording is not only technical. In a musically enchanting pairing, the interpretive contribution of Les Ébène is major, because the balance is perfect between the expressive dryness of Van Kuijk (Alpha) and the overly soft roundness of Melos (DG). The complicit joy and the musical breathing also give the Ebony a decisive advantage against the very dull Talich. This CD, which follows the excellent ‘round midnight from the same team, embodies a form of perfection.
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