‘A superb recording … the Takács make the changes of mood in the first quartet equally convincing: the rapt intertwining of the opening bars unfold with wonderful clarity, to contrast with the robust rhythmic drive that follows, so that the music is constantly realigning itself, never settling into a single mood. If they do not solve all the puzzles of these three works, which contain such contradictory elements that it is never easy to say what they are 'about', the quartet offer the best possible guide to the music's beauty and complexity, giving listeners all they need to come to their own conclusions’ (The Guardian)

‘The players attack each quartet with their customary passion, panache and individuality, bringing aching phrasings and tantalising flickers of gypsy fire’ (The Times)

‘An invigorating recording from one of the world's most distinguished ensembles … it will be hard-pushed to match the playing of the Takács Quartet on this splendid album’ (International Record Review)

‘This beautifully recorded set couples raw intensity with subtle refinement … for a recording of all three Britten String Quartets, this release is highly recommended’ (BBC Music Magazine)

«Un superbe disque d'approfondissement de la musique de Britten» (EcouterVoir, France)

‘Rolfe Johnson is in superb voice … this disc is an outstanding example of his artistry’ (Gramophone)

‘A superlative Hyperion disc’ (The Daily Telegraph)

‘The advent of Ian Bostridge has been one of the most heartening occurrences in British musical life in recent years. Here is a tenor with a wonderful voice and brains and sensitivity to match’ (The Sunday Telegraph)

'La voz es bella y espressiva … y el apoyo de Graham Johnson es, como siempre, magnifico' (Scherzo, Spain)

‘Bostridge is in the royal line of Britten's tenor interpreters … heard here in a veritable cornucopia of, by and large, unfamiliar, and even unknown songs … all performed with full understanding and innate beauty … thoughtfully interpreted and beautifully sung … [a] richly satisfying issue’ (Gramophone)

‘Here is a tenor who possesses an exceptionally sweet and beautiful voice, and a fine musician and a thinker too … inspired performances’ (The Guardian)

'Filling in for concerts to have been conducted by the late Colin Davis, Farnes directs a taut, crisply-detailed account of Britten’s masterpiece. His cast is perfect: Kennedy a slyly seductive Quint; Matthews spot on in conveying the Governess’s growing horror and resolve; as telling a Flora and Miles as any on disc. Excellent Barbican sound' (Classical Music)