Mozart: String Quartets 14 and 15

On this CD:

1. String Quartet No. 14 in G major ("Spring"), K. 387
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

2. String Quartet No. 15 in D Minor, K. 421 (K. 417b)
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Tracks:

String Quartet No.14 In G Major, K.387 (Allegro Vivace Assai)
String Quartet No.14 In G Major, K.387 (Menuetto: Allegretto Trio)
String Quartet No.14 In G Major, K.387 (Andante Cantabile)
String Quartet No.14 In G Major, K.387 (Molto Allegro)
String Quartet No.17 In B Flat Major, K.458 (Allegro Vivacee Assai)
String Quartet No.17 In B Flat Major, K.458 (Menuetto: Moderato Trio)
String Quartet No.17 In B Flat Major, K.458 (Adagio)
String Quartet No.17 In B Flat Major, K.458 (Allegro Assai)
String Quarter No.15 In D Minor, K.421 (Allegro)
String Quarter No.15 In D Minor, K.421 (Andante)
String Quarter No.15 In D Minor, K.421 (Menuetto: (Allegretto) Trio)
String Quarter No.15 In D Minor, K.421 (Allegretto Ma Non Troppo)
String Quartet No.16 In E Flat Major, K.428 (Allegro Ma Non Troppo)
String Quartet No.16 In E Flat Major, K.428 (Andante Con Moto)
String Quartet No.16 In E Flat Major, K.428 (Menuetto: Allegretto Trio)
String Quartet No.16 In E Flat Major, K.428 (Allegro Vivace)
String Quartet No.20 In D Major, K.499 (Allegretto)
String Quartet No.20 In D Major, K.499 (Menuetto: Allegretto Trio)
String Quartet No.20 In D Major, K.499 (Adagio)
String Quartet No.20 In D Major, K.499 (Allegro)
String Quartet No.18 In A Major, K.464 (Allegro)
String Quartet No.18 In A Major, K.464 (Menuetto Trio)
String Quartet No.18 In A Major, K.464 (Andante)
String Quartet No.18 In A Major, K.464 (Allegro)
String Quartet No.19 In C Major, K.465 (Adagio Allegro)
String Quartet No.19 In C Major, K.465 (Andante Cantabile)
String Quartet No.19 In C Major, K.465 (Menuetto: Allegro Trio)
String Quartet No.19 In C Major, K.465 (Allegro)
String Quartet No.21 In D Major, K.575 (Allegretto)
String Quartet No.21 In D Major, K.575 (Andante)
String Quartet No.21 In D Major, K.575 (Menuetto: Allegretto Trio)
String Quartet No.21 In D Major, K.575 (Allegretto)
String Quartet No.22 In B Flat Major, K.589 (Allegro)
String Quartet No.22 In B Flat Major, K.589 (Larghetto)
String Quartet No.22 In B Flat Major, K.589 (Menuetto: Moderato Trio)
String Quartet No.22 In B Flat Major, K.589 (Allegro Assai)
String Quartet No.23 In F Major, K.590 (Allegro Moderato)
String Quartet No.23 In F Major, K.590 (Andante)
String Quartet No.23 In F Major, K.590 (Menuetto: Allegretto Trio)
String Quartet No.23 In F Major, K.590 (Allegro)

Album Details

Before Signing with EMI and Recording all of Mozart String Quartets at Least Once and Often Twice, the Alban Berg Quartet Recorded Nearly Half of them First for Teldec and Many Regard them Still as their Freshest and Most Vital Performances. This Four CD Budget Box is an Outstanding Bargain and all Unfamiliar with their Earlier Performances and who Simply Treasure These Quartets Are Strongly Encouraged to Give this Set a Listen.

Customer Reviews:

Doesn't get any better than this........2006-09-30

I am assuming if you are reading this, I don't really have to say anything technical about Mozart or these GREAT late string quartets.
I am only writing this review to let you know...
For anyone who is disappointed with the performance and sound quality of The Berg Quartet's EMI Mozart collection of these same quartets, this is a horse of a different color.
Recorded in the early 90s for Teldec before the Berg's signed with EMI, These performances are sublime.
You would not belive this is the same group that made those horrid EMI records.
This is THE Bergs we all know and love and nobody before or since has made Mozart's string quartets sound this good.
Perfect intonation, TONE, blend, dynamics and yes, PASSION.
I've had many collections of these works and this leads the field. BY FAR.
THIS ONE HAS IT ALL....
And the Teldec sound stage is the cleanest and crystal clear you'll ever hear.
With wonderful front to back depth and air around every note.
Demonstration sound with great imaging and transparency.
You can "literally" step inside this recording. Well you know what I mean.
It really doesn't get any better than this.

A bargain - and perfectg ensemble.......2005-10-18

The Alban Berg Quartet are legendary and these CD's contain some of their best work. They seem like one instrument and it is difficult to imagine a closer ensemble.

Particularly affecting are the slower movements, where Mozart's sublime music is allowed time to breathe and expand as it should.

BUY THESE DISCS AND YOU WON'T REGRET IT!

Penguin Guide "Recommended Recording".......2005-05-08

This 4-CD set contains Mozart's most monumental (and last) quartets, including the six quartets dedicated to his dear friend and colleage Joseph Haydn, the lone "Hoffmeister quartet" and the last "Prussian" quartets. All are masterpieces of the genre, especially the "Haydn's" which Mozart (uncharacteristically) toiled long and carefully to compose out of respect and admiration for his elder friend. Upon hearing these performed, Haydn pronounced to Mozart's father the now-famous quote about young Mozart being the greatest composer he knew in person or by reputation. As the pioneer of the modern quartet, Haydn knew great quartet writing when he heard it and he was right - these turned out to be among Mozart's greatest chamber works. (the quintets perhaps being the only greater works).

The Austrian Alban Berg Quartet executes these quartets with their characteristic and supreme suppleness, precision and elegance. "Polished" is a common description I see concerning their style. The music here sounds really, really great - for the perfectly honed compositions of Mozart to the impeccable performances of the Berg to the clear, vibrant sound quality. I normally favor the Quatuor Mosaiques for quartets, but here for Mozart's quartets, I think The Alban Berg Quartet is hard to beat. Indeed, this is what Penguin Guide concluded who awarded this set with a "Recommended Recording" and described it as "one of the most distinguised sets of the late quartets that has not been surpassed." What also makes this set so valuable is that it contains the last three quartets in addition to the Haydn Quartets - an obvious but not so common coupling. So, all the above factors make this set highly desirable and a fabulous value. (I think Teldec "left some money on the table" here ...). PS: Their complete cycle of Beethoven's string quartets also get rave reviews for similar reasons.

Highest quality for the lowest price........2004-01-10

I hesitate to express my wonder at the price of this set, should some company executive realize his mistake.

Here are 4 discs featuring ALL of Mozart's mature quartets performed by one of the world's finest quartets (in my opinion, the finest). The recordings were made in the 1970s, but the sound quality is excellent - not too "close" or "dead", nor too much reverb. Just right for chamber music for strings alone.

The performances are wonderful. If you're looking for a performance that is passionate or that idiosyncratically interprets the music, look elsewhere. The Berg Quartet is much better than that in that they allow Mozart to speak for himself. The A major and C major quartets from the "Haydn" set are particularly good. The overall quality of this entire set is so excellent that I would recommend this recording over all others for an example of what quartet playing should and ought to be.

Tracks:

Allegro Vivace Assai
Menuetto; Allegro
Andante Cantabile
Molto Allegro
Allegro
Andante
Menuetto: Allegretto
Allegretto Ma Non Troppo

Tracks:

Allegro Non Troppo
Andante Con Moto
Menuetto
Allegro Vivace
Allegro Vivace
Menuetto
Adagio
Allegro Assai

Tracks:

Allegro
Menuetto
Andante
Allegro Non Troppo
Adagio; Allegro Vivace
Andante Cantabile
Menuetto
Allegro

Mozart: The 6 Haydn-Quartets; The 6 String Quintets

Average customer rating:

Unmissable!
A knockout bargain

Mozart: The 6 Haydn-Quartets; The 6 String Quintets
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Milton Katims , and Budapest String Quartet
Manufacturer: Sbme Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Great Performances From The Library Of Congress, Vol. 6: Budapest String Quartet In Concert At The Library of Congress
Beethoven The Middle Quartets in Concert at the Library of Congress 1940-1960
Haydn: String Quartets Op. 76, Nos. 1-3
Mozart: The Six String Quintets
Schubert: The String Quartets

ASIN: B00008S7HM
Release Date: 2003-05-12

Tracks:

Cd-1 (1-4) (The 6 Haydn-Quartets 1-12 ) String Quartet In G Major, K.387
Cd-1 (5-8) String Quartet In D Minor, K.412 (217b)
Cd-1 (9-12) String Quartet In B-Flat Major, K.458 "The Hunt"
Cd-2 (1-4) String Quartet In E Major, K.428 (421b)
Cd-2 (5-8) String Quartet In A Major, K.464
Cd-2 (9-12) String Quartet In C Major, K.465 "Dissonant"
Cd-3 (1-4) (The 6 String Quintets 1-12) String Quintet No.1 In B-Flat Major, K.174
Cd-3 (5-8) String Quintet No.2 In C Minor, K.406 (516b)
Cd-3 (9-12) String Quintet No.2 In C Major, K.515
Cd-4 (1-4) String Quintet No.4 In G Minor, K.516
Cd-4 (5-8) String Quintet No.5 In D Major, K.593
Cd-4 (9-12) String Quintet No.6 In E-Flat Major, K.614

Album Details

4CD Box set. Columbia Legends Series.

Customer Reviews:

Unmissable!.......2005-06-13

Perhaps you should remove one star or two for production values, which are not state of the art; the sound feels very thin, missing quite a lot in body. The playing, however, is the very, very best. The world will never get a string quartet with such an understanding of Mozart! The tempos are generally brisk, but it never sounds hurried. I am used to the Quartetto Italiano on this stuff, and that played rather slowly, wonderfully as such, but slowly. The Budapest Quartet is playing quickly, but it always feels easy, elegant and relaxed.
The nerve on the quintet K. 516 is very exiting. In spite of being recorded by the mid 40ies, I've never wanted any other recordings of the quintets.
The 'Haydn' quartets are recorded by the mid 50ies, but here I would like some better sound. I've preferred the Quartetto Italiano for almost ten years; know I only listen to the Budapest. I guess that my mind now is able to add the sound which is missing on the recording.
My five stars because you should not miss this - and in some years this collection perhaps will be out of print...

A knockout bargain.......2005-05-22

How can I review the greatest string quartet ever? The recording is quite decent, a remastering of LPs that were already excellent. Don't think scratchy reissue.

And the performance? My god, these guys are total quartetness--I just listened to the Dissonant Quartet, and there is a rhythmic thrust beyond others, no matter when recorded. The proof is in the astounding gasps--there's no more accurate term--in the last movement. There may have been equally good performances that I'll never know because they were early 20th century, but thanks there are these great performances that got the benefit of good recording.

Mozart: String Quartets (Complete Mozart Edition, Vol. 12)

Average customer rating:

Outstanding and a Remarkable Bargain
Nobilissima visione!
a remarkable set

Mozart: String Quartets (Complete Mozart Edition, Vol. 12)

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: String Quintets
Mozart: Serenades and Divertimenti for Winds
Mozart: Complete String Trios & Duos
Mozart: Serenades for Orchestra
Mozart: The Violin Sonatas

ASIN: B00000410T
Release Date: 1991-04-05

Tracks:

String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.1In G - Adagio
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.1In G - Allegro
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.1In G - Menuetto
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.1In G - Rondeau
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.2 In D - Allegro
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.2 In D - Andante
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.2 In D - Molto allegro
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.3 In G - Presto
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.3 In G - Adagio
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.3 In G - Tempo Di Menuetto
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.3 In G - Adagio
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.4 In C - Allegro
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.4 In C - Andante
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.4 In C - Presto
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.5 In F - Allegro
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.5 In F - Andante Un Poco Allegretto
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.5 In F - Tempo Di Menuetto

Tracks:

String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.6 In B Flat - Andante
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.6 In B Flat - Allegro
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.6 In B Flat - Rondo, Allegro Grazioso
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.7 In E Flat - Allegro
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.7 In E Flat - Un Poco Adagio
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.7 In E Flat - Presto
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.8 In F - Allegro
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.8 In F - Andante
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.8 In F - Menuetto
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.8 In F - Allegro
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.9 In A - Molto Allegro
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.9 In A - Andante
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.9 In A - Menuetto
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.9 In A - Rondeaux, Allegro

Tracks:

String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.10 In C - Andante
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.10 In C - Menuetto
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.10 In C - Un Poco Adagio
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.10 In C - Rondeaux, Allegro
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.11 In E Flat - Adagio - Allegro Assai - Adagio
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.11 In E Flat - Menuetto
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.11 In E Flat - Andante
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.11 In E Flat - Allegro Assai
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.12 In B Flat - Allegro Spiritoso
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.12 In B Flat - Adagio
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.12 In B Flat - Menuetto
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.12 In B Flat - Allegro Assai
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.13 In D Minor - Allegro Ma Molto Moderato
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.13 In D Minor - Andantino Grazioso
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.13 In D Minor - Menuetto
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.13 In D Minor - Allegro

Tracks:

String Quartets Nos.1-15: The Six Haydn Quartets - Quartet No.14 In G - Allegro Vivace Assai
String Quartets Nos.1-15: The Six Haydn Quartets - Quartet No.14 In G - Allegretto
String Quartets Nos.1-15: The Six Haydn Quartets - Quartet No.14 In G - Andante Cantabile
String Quartets Nos.1-15: The Six Haydn Quartets - Quartet No.14 In G - Molto Allegro
String Quartets Nos.1-15: The Six Haydn Quartets - Quartet No.15 In D Minor - Allegro Moderato
String Quartets Nos.1-15: The Six Haydn Quartets - Quartet No.15 In D Minor - Andante
String Quartets Nos.1-15: The Six Haydn Quartets - Quartet No.15 In D Minor - Menuetto, Allegretto
String Quartets Nos.1-15: The Six Haydn Quartets - Quartet No.15 In D Minor - Allegretto Ma Non Troppo - Piu Allegro

Tracks:

String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.16 In E Flat - Adagio
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.16 In E Flat - Allegro
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.16 In E Flat - Minuetto
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.16 In E Flat - Rondeau
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.17 In B Flat - Allegro
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.17 In B Flat - Andante
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.17 In B Flat - Molto Allegro
String Quartets Nos.1-15: Quartet No.17 In B Flat - Presto

Tracks:

Quartet No.18 In A - Allegro
Quartet No.18 In A - Menuetto
Quartet No.18 In A - Andante
Quartet No.18 In A - Allegro Non Troppo
Quartet No.19 In C - Adagio - Allegro
2: Andante cantabile
Quartet No.19 In C - Allegretto
Quartet No.19 In C - Allegro Molto

Tracks:

String Quartets Nos. 16-23: Quartet No.20 In D - Allegretto
String Quartets Nos. 16-23: Quartet No.20 In D - Menuetto, Allegretto
String Quartets Nos. 16-23: Quartet No.20 In D - Adagio
String Quartets Nos. 16-23: Quartet No.20 In D - Allegro
String Quartets Nos. 16-23: The Three Prussian Quartets - Quartet No.21 In D - Allegretto
String Quartets Nos. 16-23: The Three Prussian Quartets - Quartet No.21 In D - Andante
String Quartets Nos. 16-23: The Three Prussian Quartets - Quartet No.21 In D - Menuetto, Allegro
String Quartets Nos. 16-23: The Three Prussian Quartets - Quartet No.21 In D - Allegretto

Tracks:

String Quartets Nos.16-23: Quartet No.22 In B Flat - Allegro
String Quartets Nos.16-23: Quartet No.22 In B Flat - Larghetto
String Quartets Nos.16-23: Quartet No.22 In B Flat - Menuetto, Moderato
String Quartets Nos.16-23: Quartet No.22 In B Flat - Allegro Assai
String Quartets Nos.16-23: Quartet No.23 In F - Allegro Moderato
String Quartets Nos.16-23: Quartet No.23 In F - Allegretto
String Quartets Nos.16-23: Quartet No.23 In F - Menuetto (Allegretto)
String Quartets Nos.16-23: Quartet No.23 In F - Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding and a Remarkable Bargain.......2005-08-11

Mozart's string quartets need no introduction. This collection is a compilation of recordings made by the famous Quartetto Italiano over a period of several years. The playing is excellent and it is very interesting to hear this range of quartets played by a single ensemble. At less than $14 per disk (Amazon list price plus shipping costs), this is an incredible bargain for so much rewarding music.

Nobilissima visione!.......2005-04-01

Since you listen the first bars of any of these memorable works, you feel the difference that makes the great difference. The approach given by these excellent musicians is unique in what sublime perfection, astonishing musicality and enrapturing commitment concerns. Paolo Borciani, the unforgettable leader of this ensemble sealed his name in the Holly Pantheon of the greatest with these unvaluable, prodigious and lavish recordings.
All the possible adjectives are not enough to describe the status of these performances.
Don't miss these golden recordings under no pretext!

a remarkable set.......2002-11-08

This box set is a fantastic addition to anyone's Mozart collection. Performances are passionate and simply beautiful.
It is fascinating to listen to the quartets chronologically and hear Mozart's development as a composer (even the earliest quartets have many fine moments). While the sound quality of the quartets recorded in 1966 are not as crisp as those recorded in the 70s, every disc has acceptable sound and is a treasure in itself.
Highest of recommendations!

Average customer rating:

Overstated and Strident
Something missing in these performances
Marvellous Mozart

Mozart: The Ten Great String Quartets
Alban Berg String Quartet , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Alban Berg Quartet , Gerhard Schulz , and Gunter Pichler
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
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Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet
Bach: Cello Suites Nos. 1-6

ASIN: B000002S2C
Release Date: 1992-05-12

Tracks:

String Quartet No.22 In B Flat Major, K.589: I. Allegro
String Quartet No.22 In B Flat Major, K.589: II. Largetto
String Quartet No.22 In B Flat Major, K.589: III. Menuetto : Moderato
String Quartet No.22 In B Flat Major, K.589: IV. Allegro assai
String Quartet No.23 In F Major, K.590: I. Allegro moderato
String Quartet No.23 In F Major, K.590: II. Andante
String Quartet No.23 In F Major, K.590: IV. Menuetto : Allegretto
String Quartet No.23 In F Major, K.590: Allegro

Tracks:

String Quartet No.20 In D Major, K.499: I. Allegretto
String Quartet No.20 In D Major, K.499: II. Menuetto: Allegretto
String Quartet No.20 In D Major, K.499: III. Adagio
String Quartet No.20 In D Major, K.499: IV. Molto allegro
String Quartet No.21 In D Major, K. 575: I. Allegretto
String Quartet No.21 In D Major, K. 575: II. Andante
String Quartet No.21 In D Major, K. 575: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
String Quartet No.21 In D Major, K. 575: IV. Allegretto

Tracks:

String Quartet No.18 In A, KV.464: I. Allegro
String Quartet No.18 In A, K.464: II. Menuetto &Trio
String Quartet No.18 In A, KV.464: III. Andante
String Quartet No.18 In A, K.464: IV. Allegro
String Quartet No.19 In C, KV.465 'Dissonance': I. Adagio - Allegro
String Quartet No.19 In C, KV.465 'Dissonance': I. Andante cantabile
String Quartet No.19 In C, KV.465 'Dissonance': III. Menuetto (Allegro) & Trio
String Quartet No.19 In C, KV.465 'Dissonance': IV. Allegro

Tracks:

String Quartet No.17 In B Flat, K.458 ('Hunt'): I. Allegro vivace assai
String Quartet No.17 In B Flat, K.458 ('Hunt'): II. Menuetto. Moderato
String Quartet No.17 In B Flat, K.458 ('Hunt'): III. Adagio
String Quartet No.17 In B Flat, K.458 ('Hunt'): IV. Allegro assai
String Quartet No.16 In E Flat, K.428: I. Allegro ma non troppo
String Quartet No.16 In E Flat, K.428: II. Andante con moto
String Quartet No.16 In E Flat, K.428: III. Menuetto. Allegretto
String Quartet No.16 In E Flat, K.428: IV. Allegro vivace

Tracks:

String Quartet No.14 In G Major, K.387: I. Allegro vivace assai
String Quartet No.14 In G Major, K.387: II. Menuetto: Allegro
String Quartet No.14 In G Major, K.387: III. Andante cantabile
String Quartet No.14 In G Major, K.387: IV. Molto Allegro
String Quartet No.15 In D Minor, K. 421: I. Allegro moderato
String Quartet No.15 In D Minor, K. 421: II. Andante
String Quartet No.15 In D Minor, K. 421: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
String Quartet No.15 In D Minor, K. 421: IV. Allegretto ma non troppo

Customer Reviews:

Overstated and Strident.......2000-01-22

This Mozart is not easy on the ears. Whether entirely the fault of the recording engineer is a matter for debate. Sound is certainly immediate and piercing, the first violin occasionally strident on the many ffs in which the Alban Berg Quartet (ABQ) indulge.

Personally, after a number of listenings, and with the best will in the world, I still cannot find a point of connection with the ABQ's interpretation here and the inward spirit of Mozart's music. Granted, the playing is technically impeccable, the ensemble polished to a gleam, as always; it cannot be denied that the Alban Berg are among the most finely tuned and well-oiled of the modern quartet machines. Here they are in overdrive. This sound slides only too effortlessly over the surface of work wrung from Mozart's heart with much hardship. Unfortunately for the ABQ, however, the iron criterion in choosing between performances of such familiar music must be, first and foremost, *musical insight*. Pervading all of these ten performances is a disconcerting sense of being in a hurry: as if the players are late for a luncheon appointment. If the steel-hard timbre of the instruments and the ensemble's robotic perfection were to one's taste, it might be possible to accommodate the sensibilities to the ABQ's skittering on toward the midday break. For me, they simply lack essential qualities like: variety of feeling, discourse between equals, interior warmth, tension, and relaxation. Disengaged intellectuality there is in abundance.

In short, if you're fairly familiar with these Mozart quartets but not with the standard Alban Berg approach to music of the classical period, then these discs are definitely not for you. They will shed few sunbeams on any pre-existing Platonic ideals of the music already harbored by the mind. Conversely, if you're an ABQ devotee, then doubtless the content of this digital package -- recorded in Switzerland between 1987 and 1990 -- will be filled with serial delights.

Approaching this miracle of Mozart's creativity for the very first time, hearing these particular CDs with any regularity will merely send you on your way through life in blissful ignorance of the underlying significance of the notes.

The traditional benchmark for both the 'Haydn' and 'Prussian' set is, of course, the Amadeus Quartet as taped for DG in the 'sixties: excellently balanced, sensitive readings, by turns refined and emotional as the music demands. If you can find these, snap them up; I doubt you'll have the will to look further once you've heard the Amadeus. Totally satisfying. Amongst the new digital recordings on CD -- given that anything is preferable to the ABQ's disconnection on this set -- if you're on a budget, go for the Eder Quartet on Naxos - resonant in their Budapest church; otherwise the luminous analogue accounts by the Talich, now freshly issued in a complete edition of Mozart's quartets on Calliope. There are of course scores of other recordings of the same works to choose from -- as simply browsing these pages will reveal. The Chilingirian's Mozart quartet cycle comes near the top of my current shopping list.

Bear in mind that these are just subjective impressions and recommendations -- following such advice through to final purchase and first listening at home can sometimes bring one up with a jolt. At least, so I have found once or twice to my cost after taking the bait from third-party reviews on these very pages: this version of the 'Haydn', 'Prussian', and 'Hoffmeister' Quartets is a case in point.

Just in case the thrust of these paragraphs has been missed, it is only this: approach this recording with circumspection.

Something missing in these performances.......1999-04-08

Something is missing in these performances. For starters, it doesn't sound like Mozart to me. I never get the sense that the music is expressing human feelings, it doesn't breathe or unfold in any kind of organic or spontaneous sense. I'll keep listening and re-listening, but so far I have to say I've been disappointed with this set.

Marvellous Mozart.......1998-12-28

This is a marvellous album, and one of the best modern-instrument versions. The Berg go at this music with determination and passion and precision, and the result is often electifying. To my mind their playing is better here, and they are better recorded, than in their later albums for EMI (with the exception of their relatively recent Schubert albums). The recently released Quartetto Italiano album (Phillips) rivals this one for sheer joy; the Berg are lean and direct, the Italiano more sumptuous and relaxed--both are passionate and precise.

Average customer rating:

Great music, great price!

Mozart: String Quartets Nos. 14 & 15

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Antonin Dvorak: Quartets Nos. 12 & 14
Beethoven: String Quartets Op. 74, Op. 95
Beethoven: String Quartets, Opp. 59/2 & 59/3
Franz Schubert: Piano Quintet "Trout"/Quartet In A Minor
Beethoven: The Complete Quartets

ASIN: B000003CY9
Release Date: 1992-02-11

Tracks:

I. Allegro Vivace Assai
II. Menuetto: Allegro
III. Andante Cantabile
IV. Molto Allegro
I. Allegro Moderato
II. Andante
III. Menuetto: Allegretto
IV. Allegretto Ma Non Troppo

Customer Reviews:

Great music, great price!.......2007-01-29

I became familiar with the wonderful quartet playing of the Cleveland Quartet through their amazing recordings of Beethoven's string quartets also on Telarc and jumped at the chance to buy a CD of them performing Mozart. I was not disappointed! This is a warm, thoughtful performance of these works, thoroughly "classical" sounding even if on modern instruments. For this low price you get great sound quality, wonderful performances, insightful liner notes; what are you waiting for?? Buy this now!

Average customer rating:

Mozart: The 6 "Haydn" Quartets
Simply perfection of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Reasonable for the price, but there are better versions
ganz vernuenftig
this is great if you've never heard the quartets before

Mozart: The 6 "Haydn" Quartets

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000026ZV
Release Date: 1991-01-14

Tracks:

Quartet No. 14 G Major KV 387: I. Allegro vivace assai
Quartet No. 14 G Major KV 387: II. Menuetto: Allegretto: Trio
Quartet No. 14 G Major KV 387: III. Andante cantabile
Quartet No. 14 G Major KV 387: IV. Molto Allegro
Quartet No. 15 D Minor KV 421: I. Allegro
Quartet No. 15 D Minor KV 421: II. Andante
Quartet No. 15 D Minor KV 421: III. Menuetto: (Allegretto): Trio
Quartet No. 15 D Minor KV 421: IV. Allegretto ma non troppo

Tracks:

Quartet No. 16 E Flat Major KV 428: I. Allegro ma non troppo
Quartet No. 16 E Flat Major KV 428: II. Andante con moto
Quartet No. 16 E Flat Major KV 428: III. Menuetto: Allegretto: Trio
Quartet No. 16 E Flat Major KV 428: IV. Allegro vivace
Quartet No. 17 B Flat Major KV 428: I. Allegro assai vivace
Quartet No. 17 B Flat Major KV 428: II. Menuetto: Moderato: Trio
Quartet No. 17 B Flat Major KV 428: III. Adagio
Quartet No. 17 B Flat Major KV 428: IV. Allegro assai

Tracks:

Quartet No. 18 A Major KV 464: I. Allegro
Quartet No. 18 A Major KV 464: II. Menuetto: Trio
Quartet No. 18 A Major KV 464: III. Andante
Quartet No. 18 A Major KV 464: IV. Allegro
Quartet No. 19 C Major KV 465: I. Adagio: Allegro
Quartet No. 19 C Major KV 465: II. Andante cantabile
Quartet No. 19 C Major KV 465: III. Menuetto: Allegro: Trio
Quartet No. 19 C Major KV 465: IV. Allegro
Andante And Minuet

Amazon.com essential recording

These were the six quartets that caused Haydn to tell Mozart's father that his son was the finest composer in the world--and Haydn wasn't just saying that because Mozart dedicated the pieces to him. In richness of invention, density of thought, length, and melodic appeal, these pieces set new standards for the medium. However, they are not easy pieces to play or to listen to, and the Juilliard Quartet's lean, emphatic approach works very well in clarifying the busy textures and maximizing the music's dramatic impact. And at budget price, this three-disc set belongs in every string-quartet lover's collection. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Mozart: The 6 "Haydn" Quartets.......2005-09-17

I'm so happy to get this CD which I was looking for in Japan.
Thank you so much.

Simply perfection of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.......2002-05-01

These 6 string quartets that made Franz Joseph Haydn declare to Leopold Mozart in 1785 that his son was the finest composer in the world are 24 movements of lyrical, melodic, harmonic perfection. To be enjoyed for the rest of your life.

Reasonable for the price, but there are better versions.......2001-10-19

After becoming interested in Mozart, I acquired some recordings of his music and read a few books about him. I kept hearing about the "Quartets Dedicated to Haydn" and how much effort he put into crafting these works. My appreciation for this great artist continued to grow, so I decided to buy the quartets that were said to be so highly representative of his craftmanship. I started seriously hunting through all the sources available, so I could find the best available set of these highly recommended quartets.

After shopping around and comparing prices, I decided to cast my lot, and the Julliard recording on Sony became the first set of Mozart's "Haydn" quartets I owned. At first I found the music to be absorbing, but not easy to approach. It was difficult to keep concentration as the dense textures, counterpoint, and somewhat self-conscious writing often became overwhelming and hard to follow. In time I became more familar with the music, and after repeated hearings the early difficulties began to melt away and Mozart's genius began to shine through clearer and stronger.

This was the point I began to realize that some of my early difficulties were not due only to my unfamiliarity with the music. I began to notice a dryness and muted quality to the sound. It was almost as if I was hearing the music through thick curtains and an unseen force had muffled the music as it tried to escape from the instruments. At other times it felt as though the musicians were just playing through the music without inspiration. Eventually each new hearing brought less and less satisfaction and a feeling of wanting more out of these obviously rich compositions.

In the end I found myself hunting for a recording of the quartets, just as before when I first decided to acquire this music. After further searching, listening to sound files and pouring through CD buying guides, I decided on the Alban Berg set on Teldec. (not their EMI set, which isn't as good) The Teldec set included the Hoffmeister and Prussian quartets for a total of 10 complete works on four CDs as opposed to the 6 Haydn quartets on 3 CDs for the Julliard set. The Teldec sound on these recordings is wonderful, crisp and alive. The playing is sweet, inspired and with just the right amount of presence.

In the end I'm not sorry or regretful about buying the Julliard set. It was a reasonable place to start, and it is definitely an adequate representation of the music. After my first period of discovery going through the quartets I was glad there was a whole new period of discovery waiting for me. On the other hand, if someone asked for my honest opinion on which set of these quartets to buy, I would unhesitatingly recommend the Alban Berg set on Teldec. I believe if you do that, you won't have to go out hunting again in six months.

ganz vernuenftig.......2000-05-11

These are among Mozart's best works. However, the Emerson Quartet recordings of these quartets are simply far superior.

this is great if you've never heard the quartets before.......2000-04-20

if you are a shopper on the amazon scene you know that there are PLENTY of versions of the haydn quartets available; yet, they are contained within monstrous collections of wonderful yet expensive music -- and Mozart's quartets are very different from the piano concertos or the late symphonies which seem to be the apples of the eyes of the intelligent public. personally, i love all of Mozart's music -- it is practically all i listen to; if you are a crazed fan such as myself, you definitely need to become acquainted with the "haydn" quartets. But, if you are also poor like me you need to buy this CD. it's not the best available -- i personally like quartetto italiano. oh well! they are too expensive for my blood. one day i will bite my last bullet and buy their version; but for now, this collection is great! thanks for reading this arduous quasi-review, i hope it was helpful to you.

Mozart: The Ten Celebrated String Quartets

Average customer rating:

Enjoyable chamber music
An excellent set and worthy addition
Best version
"Outstanding Set in Every Way"
Recorded in an empty coffee can...

Mozart: The Ten Celebrated String Quartets

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 33 "Russian", No. 3 "The Bird", 4 and 6
Complete String Quintets
Mozart: The Six String Quintets
Mozart: Complete String Trios & Duos
Haydn: String Quartets Op. 76, Nos. 1-3

ASIN: B0000037B7
Release Date: 1997-07-29

Tracks:

Str Qt in G, K.387: I. Allegro Vivace Assai
Str Qt in G, K.387: II. Menuetto & Trio: Allegretto
Str Qt in G, K.387: III. Andante Cantabile
Str Qt in G, K.387: IV. Molto Allegro
Str Qt in A, K.464: I. Allegro
Str Qt in A, K.464: II. Menuetto & Trio
Str Qt in A, K.464: III. Andante
Str Qt in A, K.464: IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo

Tracks:

Str Qt in d, K.421: I. Allegro Moderato
Str Qt in d, K.421: II. Andante
Str Qt in d, K.421: III. Menuetto & Trio: Allegretto
Str Qt in d, K.421: IV. Allegretto Ma Non Troppo-Piu Allegro
Str Qt in E flat, K.428: I. Allegro Non Troppo
Str Qt in E flat, K.428: II. Andante Con Moto
Str Qt in E flat, K.428: III. Menuetto & Trio: Allegro
Str Qt in E flat, K.428: IV. Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

Str Qt in B flat, K.458 'The Hunt': I. Allegro Vivace Assai
Str Qt in B flat, K.458 'The Hunt': II. Menuetto & Trio: Moderato
Str Qt in B flat, K.458 'The Hunt': III. Adagio
Str Qt in B flat, K.458 'The Hunt': IV. Allegro Assai
Str Qt in D, K.499 'Hoffmeister': I. Allegretto
Str Qt in D, K.499 'Hoffmeister': II. Menuetto & Trio: Allegretto
Str Qt in D, K.499 'Hoffmeister': III. Adagio
Str Qt in D, K.499 'Hoffmeister': IV. [Molto] Allegro

Tracks:

Str Qt in C, K.465 'Dissonance': I. Adagio-Allegro
Str Qt in C, K.465 'Dissonance': II. Andante Cantabile
Str Qt in C, K.465 'Dissonance': III. Menuetto & Trio: Allegro
Str Qt in C, K.465 'Dissonance': IV. Allegro Molto
Str Qt in F, K.590: I. Allegro Moderato
Str Qt in F, K.590: II. Andante (Allegretto)
Str Qt in F, K.590: III. Menuetto & Trio: Allegretto
Str Qt in F, K.590: IV. Allegro

Tracks:

Str Qt in D, K.575: I. Allegretto
Str Qt in D, K.575: II. Andante
Str Qt in D, K.575: III. Menuetto & Trio: Allegretto
Str Qt in D, K.575: IV. Allegretto
Str Qt in B flat, K.589: I. Allegro
Str Qt in B flat, K.589: II. Larghetto
Str Qt in B flat, K.589: III. Menuetto & Trio: Moderato
Str Qt in B flat, K.589: IV. Allegro Assai

Amazon.com

Mozart composed 22 string quartets; all are worth hearing, of course. On this five-CD set, the honey-toned Franz Schubert Quartet chooses 10 favorites, which run the gamut of emotions--from the despair of the D Minor Quartet (K. 421) through the pastoral ease of the "Hunt" (K. 458) and the elegance of the "Hoffmeister" (K. 499). His last two quartets (K. 575 and K. 589) are both tranquil and bright. Throughout, the Schubert Quartet plays with great lyricism and drama. This is an ideal introduction to some of Mozart's greatest chamber music. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Enjoyable chamber music.......2006-08-25

Nimbus records have done it again! Really good performances at a great price, with that vintage Nimbus sound quality. Some like it and some do not. To me, it sounds as though it was recorded in a large room where the rich folks once held their big parties or fancy dances. Just close your eyes and imagine you're ease dropping (see cover art) on a string quartet performing to perfection these ten celebrated string quartets of Mozart. I found this set to be very enjoyable. I've also enjoyed the Medici String Quartet's Beethoven box set on Nimbus as well. More good performances at a great price, and again, with that vintage Nimbus sound.

4 1/2 stars.

Enjoy.

An excellent set and worthy addition.......2006-05-13

The playing is both technically secure and insightful--everything is done extremely well. Ensemble is excellent; you can hear all the parts clearly and sounding in balance. I don't know where the complaints about sound in some other reviews come from--this is recorded well, sounding as a string quartet should when played on a large home system, a "wave" type radio or in the car. I'm sorry to see this knocked by some others on this site when it is an excellent choice.

Best version.......2005-10-18

I bought this set before the Penguin Guide rated it (after hearing it on radio). I have gone through various versions of these pieces; some of my best loved music is here. The Franz Schubert play it with the softness and sweetness that suits them. The sound is natural and warm, and imaging is excellent. If you are considering a modern recording of this music in a comprehensive set, this is the version to get.

"Outstanding Set in Every Way".......2003-11-06

The above words open the respected "Penguin Guide to Compact Discs", in their description of this wonderful budget-priced set of Mozart's ten arguably best String Quartets. This includes the six "Haydn" Quartets, the "Hoffmeister" (K.499), and the three "Prussian" late quartets. I'm not sure where the other two reviewers were when they were listening to these recordings, but they sound great to me. The above-mentioned Penguin Guide says that the this release has "the advantage of first-class, modern, digital recording, most naturally balanced in a pleasing acoustic". There is a fine attention to detail that, in my opinion, is not lost in some kind of echo chamber, as suggested by the other two reviewers. Anyone looking for a well-played and recorded BUDGET set of these ten great quartets need look no further for, again, to quote the afore-mentioned source: "this Nimbus bargain box rather sweeps the board."

Recorded in an empty coffee can..........2002-10-28

Sorry to say the previous reviewer calls it exactly as it is.