String Quartets: B Flat Major, K.159 / E Flat Major, K.160 / F Major, K.168 / F Major K.169

Released in 1956 on the Westminster label, this recording features the Barylli Quartet performing a selection of Mozart’s early string quartets. The Barylli Quartet was founded in 1945 by Walter Barylli, the concertmaster of the Vienna Philharmonic, and was highly regarded during the mid-twentieth century for its adherence to the traditional Viennese style of string playing. Their approach was noted for its warmth, elegance, and stylistic consistency, which made them a natural choice for Westminster’s project of documenting the core chamber music repertoire.

The recording serves as a testament to the post-war era's commitment to high-fidelity documentation of classical music. By capturing these specific pieces from the Köchel catalog, the Barylli Quartet provided listeners with a refined interpretation of Mozart's youthful works, characterized by clear phrasing and a cohesive ensemble sound. This record was received as a solid addition to the period's growing catalog of chamber music recordings, valued for its technical proficiency and the ensemble's deep integration into the cultural musical heritage of Vienna.