I reviewed the first of the Kodaly Quartet’s CDs of the Op. 18 Quartets (coupling Nos. 1 and 2) along with the Tokyo set listed above. The strength of the Naxos label is that it brings great music within the reach of the collector who wants to extend his or her knowledge of the repertoire without too much damage to the pocket. Who can blame a youngster for acquiring the three CDs that I assume the Kodaly Quartet’s set of Op. 18 will occupy, rather than the full-price Tokyo? These days glitz and hype betoken commercial rather than artistic potential, but conversely bargain issues by less glossy and untrumpeted artists do not necessarily represent good value for money. Indeed the finest Op. 18 set for a comparable outlay – perhaps slightly more – is on two CDs by the Budapest Quartet, albeit in mono from the early 1950s but in remarkably good sound. The Kodaly Quartet are not in the same league as the Budapest of that era or the Tokyo, Alban Berg, the Vegh or the Talich of our own times but, as I said of their earlier discs, their readings are straightforward and honest.
As before they observe the first movement exposition repeats. I thought, on first hearing, that their account of the slow movement of the D major was too fast, but they are more leisurely in their approach than the Alban Berg Quartet (EMI, 7/85) and much slower than the Vegh (Auvidis Valois, 4/88). Lightness of accentuation (or the reverse) can so easily mislead one into making judgements about tempo that are incorrect. I very much like the steady tempo in the finale, which eschews display or virtuosity. The opening movement of the C minor could have greater dramatic fire and both the Allegretto third movement and the finale are more spirited in the Quartetto Italiano’s version on Philips (2/90) and on other rivals.
Summing up, then, these are acceptable rather than outstanding performances and no one need feel short-changed by them. They are very well recorded indeed. But any recommendation must be qualified by a reminder that there are ultimately more satisfying versions which are well worth the extra outlay.'