The Talich Quartet are a gifted ensemble, but there is something unspontaneous about their playing of the Debussy Quartet that is noticeable both at the start and in the second subject of a first movement which is surely not as Anime et tres decide as the composer wanted. If somewhat leisurely tempos are the order of the day throughout this work, this is not so of the Ravel Quartet but although that is nicely played I cannot feei that it competes in insight with the rightly celebrated Melos (DG) and fine Alban Berg (EMI) accounts. The latter two ensembles are also especially well recorded compared to the new issue, which strikes me as having a slightly congested sound.
I am more attracted here to the Chansons madecasses which make a generous and valuable fill-up (there's none on the alternatives); the baritone Jacques Herbillon has a youthful and almost innocent timbre which suits the wondering, impulsive sensuality of the first and third song though good as he is, I prefer the darker tones of a Souzay in ''Aoua'' with its bitter warning against white colonialism. I have not yet mentioned the Orlando Quartet's account for Philips of the Debussy and Ravel Quartets; this has excellent playing and though it has had mixed reviews because of apparent edits I will confess that they have not disturbed me.'