Mozart: String Quartets 20 and 21

On this CD:

1. String Quartet No. 20 in D major ("Hoffmeister"), K. 499
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

2. String Quartet No. 21 in D major ("Prussian 1"), K. 575
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.

If you've been wanting to add these works to your collection or upgrade your Mozart quartet set, I cannot recommend this recording highly enough. At this price, how can you afford not to order it?

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
General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: String Quintets

Mozart: Serenades and Divertimenti for Winds

Mozart: Complete String Trios & Duos

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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

General | Classical | Styles | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
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Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet
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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.

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

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

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

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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.

I used to love listening to these pieces on vinyl (Amadeus Quartet for the Haydns and Weller for the Prussians). Every time I listened to the verbosely-dubbed Franz Schubert Quartet of Vienna, I came away with a headache. The performance, as far as I could tell, was not bad, but the reverb made it more annoying than anything...

Mozart: String Quartets (Box Set)
Average customer rating:

wonderful deal!

Great Mozart Performances for the price of a song.

Mozart: String Quartets (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Mozart: The Six String Quintets

Complete String Quartets

Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet

Mozart: Complete String Trios & Duos

ASIN: B000067F95
Release Date: 2002-05-28

Customer Reviews:

wonderful deal!.......2006-12-06

The quality of these recordings has so far been a pleasant surprise. I bought them partially based on what the previous reviewer had to say about them, and have no regrets. Mood-boosting quartets.

Great Mozart Performances for the price of a song........2003-10-03

The Franz Schubert Quartet's recordings on Nimbus licensed to Brilliant Classics are a steal. Also included are the early quartets by the Sonare Quartet, and Mozart's first effort, KV80 by the Sharon Quartet. I found this to be an unbeatable bargain. You don't have to believe me either since the Penguin Guide gives their highest rating to the Franz Schubert Quartet and a rosette for the Sharon Quartet's effort. The only weaker link is the Sharon Quartet's version of the early quartets and these performances are better than average. If someone desires the entire output of Mozart's String Quartets, here is an opportunity to acquire the entire 7 CD set for the cost of one premium disk. I found the performances to be absorbing, the sound excellent and the music fantastic. Some of Mozart's early quartets are quite excellent and there are little masterpieces throughout these lesser known works. I can recommend this to any music lover without reservation.

Average customer rating:

Mozart: String Quartets 20 and 21
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , and Alban Berg Quartett
Manufacturer: EMI Records [All429]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00000DNKO
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Tracks:

I. Allegretto
II. Menuetto/Allegretto
III. Adagio
IV. Molto Allegro
I. Allegretto
II. Andante
III. Menuetto/Allegretto
IV. Allegretto

Average customer rating:

Superb!
Fabulous, very nice one

Mozart: The Most Famous String Quartets

Manufacturer: Berlin Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000035PU
Release Date: 1994-11-29

Tracks:

Str Qt No.14 in G, KV 387: 1. Allegro Vivace Assai
Str Qt No.14 in G, KV 387: 2. Menuetto. Allegro
Str Qt No.14 in G, KV 387: 3. Andante Cantabile
Str Qt No.14 in G, KV 387: 4. Molto Allegro
Str Qt No.15 in d, KV 421 (417b): 1. Allegro Moderato
Str Qt No.15 in d, KV 421 (417b): 2. Andante
Str Qt No.15 in d, KV 421 (417b): 3. Menuetto. Allegretto
Str Qt No.15 in d, KV 421 (417b): 4. Allegretto Ma Non Troppo-Piu Allegro

Tracks:

Str Qt No.17 in B Flat, KV 458: 1. Allegro Vivace Assai
Str Qt No.17 in B Flat, KV 458: 2. Menuetto. Moderato
Str Qt No.17 in B Flat, KV 458: 3. Adagio
Str Qt No.17 in B Flat, KV 458: 4. Allegro Assai
Str Qt No.16 in E Flat, KV 428 (421b): 1. Allegro Non Troppo
Str Qt No.16 in E Flat, KV 428 (421b): 2. Andante Con Moto
Str Qt No.16 in E Flat, KV 428 (421b): 3. Menuetto. Allegro
Str Qt No.16 in E Flat, KV 428 (421b): 4. Allegro Vivace
Str Qt No.21 in D, KV 575: 1. Allegretto
Str Qt No.21 in D, KV 575: 2. Andante
Str Qt No.21 in D, KV 575: 3. Menuetto. Allegretto
Str Qt No.21 in D, KV 575: 4. Allegretto

Tracks:

Str Qt No.18 in A, KV 464: 1. Allegro
Str Qt No.18 in A, KV 464: 2. Menuetto
Str Qt No.18 in A, KV 464: 3. Andante
Str Qt No.18 in A, KV 464: 4. Allegro Non Troppo
Str Qt No.19 in C, KV 465: 1. Adagio. Allegro
Str Qt No.19 in C, KV 465: 2. Andante Cantabile
Str Qt No.19 in C, KV 465: 3. Menuetto. Allegro
Str Qt No.19 in C, KV 465: 4. Allegro Molto

Tracks:

Str Qt No.20 in D, KV 499: 1. Allegretto
Str Qt No.20 in D, KV 499: 2. Menuetto. Allegretto
Str Qt No.20 in D, KV 499: 3. Adagio
Str Qt No.20 in D, KV 499: 4. Molto Allegro
Str Qt No.22 in B Flat, KV 589: 1. Allegro
Str Qt No.22 in B Flat, KV 589: 2. Larghetto
Str Qt No.22 in B Flat, KV 589: 3. Menuetto. Moderato
Str Qt No.22 in B Flat, KV 589: 4. Allegro Assai
Str Qt No.23 in F, KV 590: 1. Allegro Moderato
Str Qt No.23 in F, KV 590: 2. Allegretto
Str Qt No.23 in F, KV 590: 3. Menuetto. Allegretto
Str Qt No.23 in F, KV 590: 4. Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Superb!.......2005-04-25

I picked up this set of Mozart's most famous string quartets a few years ago for a very low price, and to my great surprise, found them to be arguably the best set of performances of these pieces now currently available. They are ADD recordings made back in the early 70's. The Suske Quartet consisted of members of the Berlin Staatskapelle, but disbanded in the late 70's. This set used to sell for a discount price and is now very difficult to find. If you find it, don't hesitate to snap it up.

The Suske Quartet's performances of the Beethoven string quartets are also worth acquiring, and they are also rather cheap if you can find them.

Fabulous, very nice one.......2005-01-17

A must one for Mozart quartet lovers.
Comparison to Melos quarter, it is more clear shape, but melos' have a little bit more warm.

Average customer rating:

Some of the best Mozart ever recorded

Mozart: String Quartets, Volume lll

Manufacturer: Music Masters Jazz
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000000FSP
Release Date: 1996-06-18

Tracks:

Qt in D, K.499: I. Allegretto
Qt in D, K.499: II. Menuetto: Allegretto
Qt in D, K.499: III. Adagio
Qt in D, K.499: IV. (Molto) Allegro
Qt in B flat, K.159: I. Andante
Qt in B flat, K.159: II. Allegro
Qt in B flat, K.159: III. Rondo: Allegro
Qt in D, K.575: I. Allegretto
Qt in D, K.575: II. Andante
Qt in D, K.575: III. Menuetto: Allegro
Qt in D, K.575: IV. Allegretto

Customer Reviews:

Some of the best Mozart ever recorded.......2004-11-01

As with the first recording of this set, the American String Quartet pulls off the nearly impossible task of filling the music with a touching and sincere passion, maintaining a fresh interpretation and without comprimising their crystalline perfection of color, pitch and ensemble.

However, the recording of K.575 goes far beyond even these superlatives. I have listened to this interpretation over and over, and yet even after 100 times it still moves me like nothing else can. The tear wrenching passion with which this piece is played is never once shattered by a single flaw in technique or stylistic injustice. This is, in my opinion, four movements of the greatest playing of Mozart ever, and it always transports me to a land of ideal, heart wrenching beauty.

This achievement cannot be understated, as the level of repetition, fuss and perfection required to perfect the nuances tends to wear down players and smash the fragile spontenaity and innocence of Mozart's writing. K. 499 is also superlative, and has moments that touch the level of chemistry and perfection found in the entirety of K.575, and is among the best recordings available.

As with their first recording, the American String Quartet somehow expresses their passion within the strict confines of steady tempo, avoiding the excessive romanticism that obliterates delicate voices and victimizes other modern ensembles. On the other hand, they also keep their egos in check: there is no pretentious period instrument styling (inappropriate for this sort of approach), and they keep the tempos respectful and joyfully elegant, avoiding the crass showmanship that plague groups that blaze away at utterly inappropriate speed.

The earlier quartet contained in this set is also sensitively done, but is really quite slight compared to the others.

Mozart: String Quartets /Quatuor Mosaiques

Average customer rating:

Mozart on original instruments.

Mozart: String Quartets /Quatuor Mosaiques

Manufacturer: Astree
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Haydn: String Quartets Op 64 Nos 2, 4, 5 /Quatuor Mosaiques
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Haydn: String Quartets Op 64 Nos 1, 3, 6 /Quatuor Mosaiques
Haydn: String Quartets Op. 76

ASIN: B0000CNTK4
Release Date: 2003-11-18

Customer Reviews:

Mozart on original instruments........2006-12-19

This is a superb recording. The Quatuor Mosaïques is one of the finest quartets in the world. Their intonation is spectacular, and achieved without the crutch of constant vibrato. Their performances are stylistically informed, but never pedantic. Above all, though, their musicality, thorough understanding of the music, and ability to shape each piece dramatically without falling into Romantic excess are what place them a notch or two above any other original instrument quartet (and practically every other quartet as well).
Please give them a try and help spread the word (their Haydn recordings are also breathtaking.)

Average customer rating:

High level of play and some extraordinary recordings

Mozart: The Complete String Quartets

Manufacturer: Music Masters Jazz
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
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Haydn: Complete String Quartets

ASIN: B00000DMUY
Release Date: 1998-11-10

Tracks:

Qt in E flat, K.428: Allegro Non Troppo
Qt in E flat, K.428: Andante Con Moto
Qt in E flat, K.428: Menuetto/Allegro
Qt in E flat, K.428: Allegro Vivace
Qt in B flat, K.589: Allegro
Qt in B flat, K.589: Larghetto
Qt in B flat, K.589: Menuetto/Moderato
Qt in B flat, K.589: Allegro Assai
Qt in C, K.157: Allegro
Qt in C, K.157: Andante
Qt in C, K.157: Presto

Tracks:

Qt in d, K.421: I. Allegro Moderato
Qt in d, K.421: II. Andante
Qt in d, K.421: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
Qt in d, K.421: IV. Allegretto Ma Non Troppo
Qt in G, K.387: I. Allegro Vivace Assai
Qt in G, K.387: II. Menuetto: Allegro
Qt in G, K.387: III. Andante Cantabile
Qt in G, K.387: IV. Molto Allegro
Qt in E flat, K.171: I. Adagio; Allegro Assai
Qt in E flat, K.171: II. Menuetto
Qt in E flat, K.171: III. Andante
Qt in E flat, K.171: IV. Allegro Assai

Tracks:

Qt in D, K.499: I. Allegretto
Qt in D, K.499: II. Menuetto: Allegretto
Qt in D, K.499: III. Adagio
Qt in D, K.499: IV. (Molto) Allegro
Qt in B flat, K.159: I. Andante
Qt in B flat, K.159: II. Allegro
Qt in B flat, K.159: III. Rondo: Allegro
Qt in D, K.575: I. Allegretto
Qt in D, K.575: II. Andante
Qt in D, K.575: III. Menuetto: Allegro
Qt in D, K.575: IV. Allegretto

Tracks:

Qt in B flat, K.172: I. Allegro Spiritoso
Qt in B flat, K.172: II. Adagio
Qt in B flat, K.172: III. Menuetto
Qt in B flat, K.172: IV. Allegro Assai
Qt in F, K.168: I. Allegro
Qt in F, K.168: II. Andante
Qt in F, K.168: III. Menuetto
Qt in F, K.168: IV. Allegro
Qt in B flat, K.458: I. Allegro Vivace Assai
Qt in B flat, K.458: II. Menuetto: Moderato
Qt in B flat, K.458: III. Adagio
Qt in B flat, K.458: IV. Allegro Assai
Qt in F, K.590: I. Allegro Moderato
Qt in F, K.590: II. Andante
Qt in F, K.590: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
Qt in F, K.590: IV. Allegro

Tracks:

Str Qt No.18 in A, K.464: I. Allegro
Str Qt No.18 in A, K.464: II. Menuetto
Str Qt No.18 in A, K.464: III. Andante
Str Qt No.18 in A, K.464: IV. Allegro Non Troppo
Str Qt in No.13 in d, K.173: I. Allegro Moderato
Str Qt in No.13 in d, K.173: II. (Andantino Grazioso)
Str Qt in No.13 in d, K.173: III. Menuetto
Str Qt in No.13 in d, K.173: IV. (Allegro Moderato)
Str Qt No.9 in A, K.169: I. Molto Allegro
Str Qt No.9 in A, K.169: II. Andante
Str Qt No.9 in A, K.169: III. Menuetto
Str Qt No.9 in A, K.169: IV. Rondeau: Allegro
Str Qt No.3 in G, K.156: I. Presto
Str Qt No.3 in G, K.156: II. Adagio
Str Qt No.3 in G, K.156: III. Tempo Di Menuetto
Str Qt No.2 in D, K.155: I. (Allegro)
Str Qt No.2 in D, K.155: II. Andante
Str Qt No.2 in D, K.155: III. Molto Allegro

Tracks:

Qt in C, K.465 'Dissonant': I. Adagio; Allegro
Qt in C, K.465 'Dissonant': II. Andant Cantabile
Qt in C, K.465 'Dissonant': III. Menuetto: Allegro
Qt in C, K.465 'Dissonant': IV. Allegro Molto
Qt in G, K.80: I. Adagio
Qt in G, K.80: II. Allegro
Qt in G, K.80: III. Menuetto
Qt in G, K.80: IV. Rondo
Qt in F, K.158: I. Allegro
Qt in F, K.158: II. Andante Un Poco Allegretto
Qt in F, K.158: III. Tempo Di Menuetto
Qt in C, K.170: I. Andante
Qt in C, K.170: II. Menuetto
Qt in C, K.170: III. Un Poco Adagio
Qt in C, K.170: IV. Rondo: Allegro
Qt in E flat, K.160: I. Allegro
Qt in E flat, K.160: II. Un Poco Adagio
Qt in E flat, K.160: III. Presto

Customer Reviews:

High level of play and some extraordinary recordings.......2004-09-07

Some of the best recordings of Mozart chamber music ever made lie within these CDs. The recordings of K. 589, K. 499, and K. 387 manage to combine Mozart's elusive, deeply moving passion within an exterior of joy, sparkle, and perfection. Depending on your point of view, these interpretations may be the best modern instrument recordings on the market. However, it's the recording of K. 575 that is absolutely transcendent: I am hard pressed to think of a Mozart recording in ANY genre that has affected me as deeply as this one has, and I find myself playing it over and over, trying to stay in touch with the magic that it inspires.

As later CDs roll in with the pressure of an army of perfunctory early quartets, the American String Quartet manages to maintain an impressive level of clarity and elegance, but the strain of rehearsing (or maybe fighting over) so much subtlety begins to tell as that hidden joy and emotional intensity fades. The technical delivery in K. 590, the Dissonant, and K. 464 is still top notch, but emotionally speaking these recordings are merely competent, and I find myself fast forwarding through some of Mozarts uninspired early quartets.

Nevertheless, this set stands as an awesome achievement. Many of these CDs were sold separately, with Volumes I and III being truly extraordinary and Volume II still being quite impressive, which is what I would recommend to the thrifty music customer.

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