The Orford is Canada's leading string quartet and has been on the scene since the 1970s. They are a highly accomplished ensemble on whose readings I have reported on earlier occasions (8/87 and 4/90). The series was recorded during the mid-1980s: the D major in 1986 and Op. 131 in the previous year. At times in earlier releases in the cycle, a tendency towards expressive exaggeration could be noticed: dynamics tended to be exaggerated, though I found this less disturbing here. The fugal opening of Op. 131 is really rather impressive and quite unforced and there is no want of lyrical impulse in the Andante. The Presto movement, on the other hand, is over-projected and one's attention is firmly focused on the dynamic rather than the musical flow.
Generally speaking I find the style just a little too self-aware and high-powered. As was the case with the other Beethoven issues, there is also a great deal to admire and enjoy in the Orford's playing: immaculate intonation, beautifully blended tone and great but uncloying sweetness of tone. Others may feel more attuned to their style than I do. The recording is faithful if slightly on the dry side.'