these are remarkably perceptive, stylish and penetrating readings that give this glorious music its full due. For a group that has been in existence for only five years this is an especially impressive achievement.

The young French musicians who make up the Quatuor Modigliani relish their Haydn, as the performances of these three works... demonstrate. At first, I wondered if they were sufficiently alive to Haydn’s humour — until the leader made the grace-note figure in the finale of the Sunrise bray like a donkey. The range of dynamics and colour is wide, the rhythmic tension and drive, in the Rider’s finale and elsewhere, superb. They also give the music space, in the Rider’s visionary slow movement and in the deceptively leisurely opening of the Sunrise.

These musicians ooze musical insight, unanimity and polish.

Refreshing to find this young, rising French string quartet, just five years old, exploring the Haydn treasure chest. To the three mature works chosen (the Sunrise quartet, the Rider, and Op 54 No 1) they bring a crisp attack, congenial eloquence and technical refinement. It’s easy to find Haydn the experimenter here. Harder to spot the composer’s smiles and natural wit. If only the Modiglianis would lighten their touch; then we’d be in Haydn heaven.

With its immense musical gifts, this foursome has the potential to someday reach the top echelon