String Quartets: G Major K.80 / B Flat Major, K.136 / D Major K.137 / F Major K.138

Released in 1956 on the Westminster label, this recording features the Barylli Quartet performing four of Mozart's early string quartets and divertimenti. The Barylli Quartet was founded in 1945 by Walter Barylli, the concertmaster of the Vienna Philharmonic, and became renowned for its adherence to the traditional Viennese style of performance. This album was part of Westminster's mid-century effort to capture authentic Austrian interpretations of the classical repertoire, focusing on a refined, elegant sound that emphasized the lighter textures of Mozart's youthful works.

The quartet's approach reflects a specific era of post-war recording philosophy, where Westminster sought to document the ensemble's sophisticated chamber music craft for international listeners. Critics at the time noted the Barylli Quartet's seamless ensemble cohesion and delicate phrasing, which allowed the youthful energy of Mozart's compositions—written during his formative years—to shine without over-interpretation. The recording remains a valued example of the mid-20th-century Viennese chamber music tradition, capturing a period when the focus was on stylistic purity and lyrical grace.