I would not quibble with the artistic performance; the Angeles Quartet is very fine indeed. I purchased this set before an earlier reviewer submitted his comments concerning the recording and I wish I had waited, for I also feel that the enjoyment of these totally charming examples of quartet writing has been somewhat marred by the nature of the recording.In my view, the sensation of being "removed" from the performers has reduced the sense of intimacy with the players and created a feeling of being excluded from their musical conversation.I subsequently purchased the complete works by the Kodaly Quartet and can report that these are equally satisfying from a musical standpoint and have, in my judgment, much better microphone placement and a generally superior ambience.