In matters of form and style, Georg Druschetzky's Four String Quintets partake of the Classical tradition of Haydn and Mozart. Yet because of some tonal idiosyncrasies and borderline Romantic effects, Druschetzky's lyrical Andantes may remind listeners now and then of Schubert; and his intermittent attempts at virtuosity in the Allegros -- especially the showy sixteenth-note runs in thirds -- are somewhat suggestive of Spohr. Unusual modulations and ambiguous harmonic progressions are particularly pronounced in the String Quintet in G minor; and the chromatic inflections and odd dissonances in the String Quintet in E flat major and the String Quintet in D major make Druschetzky out to be a curious figure for the time. Perhaps more characteristic but certainly more predictable is the cheerful and bland Quintetto concertando in F major, which tends to stay in related major keys, demonstrates little risk-taking, and consequently offers few surprises. The
Festetics String Quartet and violist Kriszta Véghelyi play period instruments, and their clean articulation and gemütlich tone are perhaps the first things one will notice. But on closer listening, the ensemble's blend and intonation seem slightly off, and the quartet seems to have difficulty absorbing the extra viola into its textures. Hungaroton's sound quality on these premiere recordings is excellent, with wonderful clarity and spacious resonance.