Beethoven: String Quartets Op.18/4 & 59/3

On this CD:

1. String Quartet No. 4 in C minor, Op. 18/4
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven

2. String Quartet No. 9 in C major ("Rasumovsky 3") Op. 59/3
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven

Tracks:

Op. 18 No. 1 In F Major: I: Allegro Con Brio - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 18 No. 1 In F Major: II: Adagio Affettuoso Ed Appassionato - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 18 No. 1 In F Major: III: Scherzo (Allegro Molto) & Trio - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 18 No. 1 In F Major: IV: Allegro - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 59 No. 1 In F Major 'Rasumovsky': I: Allegro - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 59 No. 1 In F Major 'Rasumovsky': II: Allegretto Vivace E Sempre Scherzando - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 59 No. 1 In F Major 'Rasumovsky': III: Adagio molto e mesto : IV: Allegro (Th russe) - Alban Berg Quartett

Tracks:

Op. 18 No.2 In G Major: I: Allegro - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 18 No.2 In G Major: II: Adagio cantabile - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 18 No.2 In G Major: III: Scherzo (Allegro) & Trio - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 18 No.2 In G Major: IV: Allegro molto, quasi presto - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 18 No. 6 In B Flat Major: I: Allegro con brio - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 18 No. 6 In B Flat Major: II: Adagio, ma non troppo - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 18 No. 6 In B Flat Major: III: Scherzo (Allegro) & Trio - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 18 No. 6 In B Flat Major: IV: Adagio (La Malinconia) - Allegretto quasi Allegro - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 135 In F Major: I: Allegretto - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 135 In F Major: II: Vivace - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 135 In F Major: III: Lento assai, cantante e tranquillo - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 135 In F Major: IV: Grave, ma non troppo tratto - Allegro - Alban Berg Quartett

Tracks:

Op. 18 No. 3 In D Major: I. Allegro
Op. 18 No. 3 In D Major: II. Andante con moto
III. Allegro
Op. 18 No. 3 In D Major: IV. Presto
Op. 18 No. 5 in A Major: I. Allegro
Op. 18 No. 5 in A Major: II. Menuetto & Trio
Op. 18 No. 5 in A Major: III. Andante cantabile
Op. 18 No. 5 in A Major: IV. Allegro
Op. 95 In F Minor: I. Allegro con brio
Op. 95 In F Minor: II. Allegretto ma non troppo
Op. 95 In F Minor: III: Allegro assai vivace, ma serioso

Tracks:

Op. 18 No. 4 In C Minor: I. Allegro ma non tanto
Op. 18 No. 4 In C Minor: II. Scherzo (Andante scherzoso quasi Allegretto)
Op. 18 No. 4 In C Minor: III. Menuetto (Allegretto) & Trio
Op. 18 No. 4 In C Minor: IV. Allegro
Op. 130 in B flat Major: I. Adagio ma non troppo - Allegro
Op. 130 in B flat Major: II. Presto
Op. 130 in B flat Major: III. Andante con moto, ma non troppo
Op. 130 in B flat Major: IV. Alla danza tedesca (Allegro assai)
Op. 130 in B flat Major: V Cavatina (Adagio molto espressivo)
Grosse Fuge In B Flat Major, Op. 133
Op. 130 in B flat Major: VI. Finale (Allegro)

Tracks:

Op. 59 No. 2 In E Minor 'Rasumovsky': I: Allegro
Op. 59 No. 2 In E Minor 'Rasumovsky': II: Molto Allegro
Op. 59 No. 2 In E Minor 'Rasumovsky': III: Allegretto
Op. 59 No. 2 In E Minor 'Rasumovsky': IV: Finale (Presto)
Op. 127 In E Flat Major: I: Maaestoso - Allegro
Op. 127 In E Flat Major: II: Adagio ma non troppo, molto cantabile
Op. 127 In E Flat Major: III: Scherzando vivace
Op. 127 In E Flat Major: IV: Finale

Tracks:

Op. 59 No. 3 In C Major 'Rasumovsky': I: Introduzione (Andante con moto) - Allegro vivace
Op. 59 No. 3 In C Major 'Rasumovsky': II: Andante con moto quasi allegretto
Op. 59 No. 3 In C Major 'Rasumovsky': III: Menuetto (Grazioso) & Trio
Op. 131 In C Sharp Minor: I: Adagio ma non troppo e molto espressivo
Op. 131 In C Sharp Minor: II: Allegro molto vivace
Op. 131 In C Sharp Minor: III: Allegro moderato
Op. 131 In C Sharp Minor: IV: Andante ma non troppo e molto cantabile
Op. 131 In C Sharp Minor: V: Presto
Op. 131 In C Sharp Minor: VI: Adagio quasi un poco andante
Op. 131 In C Sharp Minor: VI: Adagio quasi un poco andante

Tracks:

Op. 74 In E Flat Major 'Harp': I Poco adagio - Allegro - Beethoven
Op. 74 In E Flat Major 'Harp': II. Adagio ma non troppo - Beethoven
Op. 74 In E Flat Major 'Harp': III. Presto - Beethoven
Op. 74 In E Flat Major 'Harp': IV: Allegretto con Variazioni - Beethoven
Op.132 In A Minor: I: Allegro sostenuto - Allegro - Beethoven
Op.132 In A Minor: II: Allegro ma non tanto - Beethoven
Op.132 In A Minor: III: Molto adagio - Beethoven
Op.132 In A Minor: IV: Alla marcia, assai vivace - Beethoven

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful Beethoven cycle.......2007-06-18

This is a fine recording, remastered for the reissue. Intelligent, driving, finely played. Excellent musicianship. Buy it. You won't be sorry you did.

A LONG TIME COMING AT THIS PRICE .......2007-06-02

On LP I own any number of complete Beethoven String Quartets by the great masters of that genre. I bought them all as a teenager and in college. When I started buying CDs a complete Beethoven set for over $100 by a great quartet became out of my price range at the time. To find the Berg Quartet, (a favorite group of mine), surveying these great works at this price from Amazon is one of the best bargains going.

I went immediately to Op. 135 and found it marvelous in concept, execution and recording. I've now listened to almost all the quartets, and the consistency is wonderful. Because I'm in the business I'm using only high end professional equipment for playback and the sound is truly "You Are There". The recordings capture the upper overtones of all the instruments without the least harhsness, no mean feat. The blend of the group and the hall is articulated in a way that happens on only a very few recordings. Ocassionally one can hear a minor difference in what might be placement of microphones, even from movement to movement. This could, in fact, be the result of a temperature or humidity change in the recording venue. You have to pay very close attention to notice this and it does nothing to diminish these sonic wonders) Worth thrice the price.

What more can be said?.......2007-02-03

There are many wonderful performances of these remarkable pieces. Which is the finest? Only God, in his wisdom, will ever be able to answer such a question, but I'm sure with his celestial headphones on he'll be listening to the Alban Berg Quartet. For me this quartet is able to "read" each individual quartet with such clarity, from the light hearted humor of the Op.18 to the intense and darkly passionate Op.95 through to the strangely happy yet unearthly Op.135, with many other wonderful moments, that I can hardly imagine any better. You won't go wrong buying this.

With the Best of the Best.......2006-12-14

I know it's saying a great deal with the excellent full sets of these quartets to choose from, but these overall are my favorites. The playing is excellent, balanced and perfectly toned. There are unquestionably the deep emotional commitment of the Vegh Quartet, the intelligence of the Juilliard, the parlor intimacy of the Talisch and the muscular intensity of the Italiano. And the serious collector needs to listen to these sets, or selections of, for a rounded understanding of these works. But for a consistency of quality and feeling throughout a traversal of all the quartets I believe the Berg set wins an arguably close contest--at least for me.

What sound problems????.......2006-11-14

I am only writing this review in dispute of RB Townsend remarks below.
I have been listening to this mostly Live set for a few years now on high end Audiophile equipment and notice NO problems with sound at all.
It is clear, clean, crisp, transparent and rich with no "glare" at all.
if it is "well lit", this would suit Beethoven's strings perfectly.
An absolutely stunning performance with a Superb sound stage and sound.
All the other reviewers and the buyers who agree with their assessments (a hundred of them) can't be wrong.
With all due respect, Perhaps Mr. Townsend is listening to this on an Aiwa bookshelf System. Perhaps.

Average customer rating:

Beethoven: Complete String Quartets
Juilliard String Quartet
Manufacturer: Sbme Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00006OA6A
Release Date: 2002-11-11

Tracks:

1-4 String Quartet No.1 In F Major, Op. 18 No.1
5-8 String Quartet No.2 In G Major, Op.18 No.2
9-12 String Quartet No.3 In D Major, Op.18 No.3
1-4 String Quartet No.4 In D Minor, Op. 18 No.3
5-8 String Quartet No.5 In A Major, Op.18 No.5
9-12 String Quartet No.6 In B-Flat Major, Op.18 No.6
1-4 String Quartet No.7 In F Major, Op.59 No.1
1-4 String Quartet No.8 In E Minor, Op.59 No.2
5-8 String Quartet No.9 In C Major, Op.59 No.3
1-4 String Quartet No.10 In E-Flat Major, Op. 74 "Harp"
5-8 String Quartet No.11 In F Minor Op.95
1-4 String Quartet No.12 In E-Flat Major, Op.127
5-11 String Quartet No.13 In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131
1-7 String Quartet No.14 In B-Flat Major, Op. 130
1-5 String Quartet No.15 In A Minor, Op.132
6-9 String Quartet No.16 In F Major, Op. 135

Beethoven: String Quartets Opus 18 Nos 1 & 4 /Quatuor Mosaiques

Average customer rating:

The best
Superb Early Beethoven Quartets

Beethoven: String Quartets Opus 18 Nos 1 & 4 /Quatuor Mosaiques

Manufacturer: Astree
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0009275TI
Release Date: 2005-06-21

Customer Reviews:

The best .......2007-03-16

This is the best performance of this music I have ever heard.

Superb Early Beethoven Quartets.......2005-06-28

'A paradox, a paradox, a most ingenious paradox.' -- W. S. Gilbert, 'Pirates of Penzance'

I don't quite understand how this happens, but these performances of two of Beethoven's early quartets done by Quatuor Mosaïques on gut-strung instruments from the 17th and 18th centuries somehow sound more modern, more advanced than when played on modern instruments. One is used to hearing them played by modern-instrument quartets like the Emerson or the Takács Quartets and they sound quaint, Haydnesque, classical. In the present performances they sound dramatic, forward-looking and proto-Romantic. And, might I add, much more interesting. Obviously that is partly because Quatuor Mosaïques is a superb ensemble, but then so are the Emerson and the Takács. So, how to explain it? I think it has something to do with the SOUND of the instruments, softer, more rounded, more subtle, that is inherently more romantic in timbre than the clear-as-a-bell and almost clinical sound of 'modern' instruments. Whatever the explanation, these performances are, for me, revelatory.

Added to that is the discovery that pairing Op. 18, No. 1 with Op. 18, No. 4 points out their contrasts neatly. No. 1 is nominally in a major key (F major), No. 4 in minor (C minor). But No. 1 has a minor key movement (the Adagio affettuoso ed appassionato), No. 4 has one in the major (the Andante scherzoso). Beethoven's sketchbooks reveal that he labored long and hard on the No. 1 -- there are a total of fifteen pages devoted to polishing the little one-measure theme of Mvt. I and its working out. But there are no sketches at all for No. 4; it's as if Beethoven had written it out in a flash, like Mozart had done with so many of his works. Yet, No. 1 sounds like a brilliant improvisation and No. 4 has such a complex form and working out that it sounds like the end result of complicated effort on Beethoven's part. A paradox, a paradox.

These performances are simply superb. I have not generally been a fan of original instrument string quartet performances, at least in the early days, but the Quatuor Mosaïques seems head and shoulders above other similar groups. The members -- violins Erich Höbarth and Andrea Bischof, viola Anita Mitterer, and cello Christophe Coin -- met when they were all members of Nikolaus Harnoncourt's Concentus Musicus Wien, forming the quartet in 1989. They have risen to the top of their original-instrument category and indeed are among the finest quartets currently before the public. Their tuning is nigh perfect as is their ensemble. They play as one, and their musicianship is impeccable. They have been afforded lifelike sound by recording engineer Philip Nedel and producers Hervé Boissière and Helmut Muhle. Recorded in the Grafenegg Schloss 'Alte Reitschule' in Austria, the surround ambience gives them a natural aura.

They have already recorded the other four quartets of Op. 18, and I have Nos. 4 & 6 in my review queue. I have not acquired Nos. 2 and 3, but undoubtedly, because of the quality of this disc, will do so.

Urgently recomended, even to those who have multiple recordings of these quartets.

TT=55:32

Scott Morrison

Average customer rating:

An overrated performance
All in all---a great set
Lackluster Ludwig!
Gramophone "Top 100 Recording"
Geez! How many 5* reviews do you want. Its great - Get it.

Beethoven: Complete String Quartets
Ludwig van Beethoven , Quartetto Italiano , Piero Farulli , Elisa Pegreffi , and Paolo Borciani
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas
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Beethoven: The String Quartets/ Grosse Fuge
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ASIN: B0000041LL
Release Date: 1997-09-16

Tracks:

Quartet In F Major, Op.18 No.1: 1. Allegro con brio
Quartet In F Major, Op.18 No.1: 2. Adagio affettuoso ed appassionato
Quartet In F Major, Op.18 No.1: 3. Scherzo. Allegro molto
Quartet In F Major, Op.18 No.1: 4. Allegro
Quartet In G Major, Op.18 No.2: 1. Allegro
Quartet In G Major, Op.18 No.2: 2. Adagio cantabile - Allegro - Tempo I
Quartet In G Major, Op.18 No.2: 3. Scherzo. Allegro
Quartet In G Major, Op.18 No.2: 4. Allegro molto, quasi presto

Tracks:

Quartet In D Major, Op.18 No.3: 1. Allegro
Quartet In D Major, Op.18 No.3: 2. Andante con moto
Quartet In D Major, Op.18 No.3: 3. Allegro
Quartet In D Major, Op.18 No.3: 4. Presto
Quartet In C Minor, Op.18 No.4: 1. Allegro ma non tanto
Quartet In C Minor, Op.18 No.4: 2. Andante scherzoso, quasi allegretto
Quartet In C Minor, Op.18 No.4: 3. Menuetto. Allegretto
Quartet In C Minor, Op.18 No.4: 4. Allegro

Tracks:

Quartet In A Major, Op.18 No.5: 1. Allegro
Quartet In A Major, Op.18 No.5: 2. Menuetto
Quartet In A Major, Op.18 No.5: 3. Andante cantabile
Quartet In A Major, Op.18 No.5: 4. Allegro
Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op.18 No.6: 1. Allegro con brio
Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op.18 No.6: 2. Adagio ma non troppo
Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op.18 No.6: 3. Scherzo. Allegro
Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op.18 No.6: 4. La Malinconia. Adagio - Allegretto quasi allegro - Adagio - Allegretto - Poco adagio - Prestissimo

Tracks:

Quartet In F Major, Op.59 No.1: 1. Allegro
Quartet In F Major, Op.59 No.1: 2. Allegretto vivace e sempre scherzando
Quartet In F Major, Op.59 No.1: 3. Allegro molto e mesto
Quartet In F Major, Op.59 No.1: 4. Theme russe. Allegro

Tracks:

Quartet In E Minor, Op.59 No.2: 1. Allegro
Quartet In E Minor, Op.59 No.2: 2. Molto adagio
Quartet In E Minor, Op.59 No.2: 3. Allegretto
Quartet In E Minor, Op.59 No.2: 4. Finale. Presto
Quartet In F Minor, Op.95: 1. Allegro con brio
Quartet In F Minor, Op.95: 2. Allegretto ma non troppo
Quartet In F Minor, Op.95: 3. Allegro assai vivace ma serioso
Quartet In F Minor, Op.95: 4. Larghetto espressivo - Allegretto agitato

Tracks:

Quartet In C Major, Op.59 No.3: 1. Introduzione. Andante con moto - Allegro vivace
Quartet In C Major, Op.59 No.3: 2. Andante con moto quasi allegretto
Quartet In C Major, Op.59 No.3: 3. Menuetto. Grazioso
Quartet In C Major, Op.59 No.3: 4. Allegro molto
Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op.74: 1. Poco adagio - Allegro
Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op.74: 2. Adagio ma non troppo
Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op.74: 3. Presto - Piu presto quasi prestissimo
Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op.74: 4. Allegretto con variazioni

Tracks:

Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op.127: 1. Maestoso - Allegro
Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op.127: 2. Adagio, ma non troppo e molto cantabile
Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op.127: 3. Scherzando vivace
Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op.127: 4. Finale
Quartet In F Major, Op.135: 1. Allegretto
Quartet In F Major, Op.135: 2. Vivace
Quartet In F Major, Op.135: 3. Lento assai, cantante e tranquillo
Quartet In F Major, Op.135: 4. Der schwer gefasste Entschluss. Grave - Allegro - Grave ma non troppo tratto - Allegro

Tracks:

Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 130: 1. Adagio ma non troppo - Allegro - Beethoven
Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 130: 2. Presto - Beethoven
Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 130: 3. Andante con moto ma non troppo. Poco Scherzando - Beethoven
Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 130: 4. Alla danza tedesca. Allegro assai - Beethoven
Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 130: Cavatina. Adagio molto espressivo - Beethoven
Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 130: Finale. Allegro - Beethoven
Quartet In B Flat Major, Op.133: Overtura. Allegro - Meno mosso e moderato - Allegro - Fuga - Beethoven

Tracks:

Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op.131: 1. Adagio ma non troppo e molto espressivo - Beethoven
Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op.131: 2. Allegro molto vivace - Beethoven
Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op.131: 3. Allegro moderato - Beethoven
Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op.131: 4. Andante ma non troppo e molto cantabile - Piu mosso - Andante moderato e lusinghiero - Adagio - Allegretto - Adagio, ma non troppo e semplice - Allegretto - Beethoven
Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op.131: 5. Presto - Beethoven
Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op.131: 6. Adagio quasi un poco andante - Beethoven
Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op.131: 7. Allegro - Beethoven

Tracks:

Quartet In A Minor, Op.132: 1. Assai sostenuto - Allegro
Quartet In A Minor, Op.132: 2. Allegro ma non tanto
Quartet In A Minor, Op.132: 3. Canzona di ringraziamento. Molto adagio - Sentendo nuova forza. Andante
Quartet In A Minor, Op.132: 4. Alla marcia, assai vivace - Piu allegro - Presto
Quartet In A Minor, Op.132: 5. Allegro appassionato

Customer Reviews:

An overrated performance.......2007-01-29

Well, I really do not understand those who acclaim this recording with 5 stars. I sincerely urge you to go back to Busch or Budapest or the Lindsays or the Vegh or the Takacs.
Concerning the late string quartets which should be core of this recording, I will give this recording 2 stars. 1 more star is for their Op.18 quartets.
They can surely play this music, yes, but I highly doubt that they "know" and feel deeply at heart this music.
A safe and boring and idle interpretation of the music. I want more intensity, more depth, more spiritied approach to this kind of music, but the Quartetto Italiano fails in every aspect that I can appreciate.
Listen to the slow movement of the late quartets. Well, slow, but not touching. Especially that variation movent in Op.131. Very dull performance. And listen to the fast movements. Again, no concrete music making here.

These people shine in their Haydn or maybe Debussy or Ravel, certainly not in Beethoven. Overall, they are just average performances, for the late quartets, a huge dissapointment.

All in all---a great set.......2005-11-15

I can't add much to the praise stated over and over here----but I must say the warmth and deep feeling brought out by this quartet makes this set consistantly rewarding.

The "Quartetto Serioso" still blows me away every time I hear it. And the bright pluckiness (pun intended) of the first movement of the 'Harp" quartet always lifts my spirits. I only mention these 2 because these solitary quartets are somewhat overlooked and undervalued, it seems.

The Lindsays (some others too) tend to be more speedy and energetic----but this isnt always what is desired. I prefer the Lindsays in Op. 130's Presto, which is really quick, light and whimsical---and just has more sparkle than the Italians. But I have a feeling a boxed set of all 16 quartets with the Lindsays (and I hope they do this some day!) would have more shortcomings than this set.

In the Razumovsky no.3, I would recommend the Budapest quartet's 1960 recording over the Italians, mainly because of their performance of the strange 2nd movement. The Budapest quartet often sounds cold and detached-----and this is a cold, weird movement-----so they are perfect, in this case!

I must also commend the fine design of this boxed set. I like the neat little envelopes containing the cd's, rather than the typical plastic box with loose cd's flopping around and falling out when you open it, hinges that come undone, etc., etc.!!

Lackluster Ludwig!.......2005-04-25

These were the first recordings of these works that I encountered as a young listener. I purchased the set on LP's and more or less steered clear of these works for a number of years until I heard other performances. Quartetto Italiano's boring performances of these dynamic masterpieces are among the worst on the market. In fact, the only set I can recall that would fall into this dismal class would be that by the Orford Quartet on the Delos label. I don't own the set on CD, but I have gone back to my old LP's on occasion only to find that my original impression of these performances was absolutely correct. If you're an insomniac, don't hesitate to grab either set.

Gramophone "Top 100 Recording".......2005-01-15

Such complete works as this - spanning the composer's lifetime - make for an excellent study in the composer's musical evolution. Although termed "early" works, Beethoven's first Op. 18 Quartets were composed when he was around thirty, having dozens of brilliant compositions behind him. These first quartets show both the 'restrained' classical forms and mannerisms of Haydn but with notable evolutions like the introduction of deeply emotional and tragic writing (the slow movement of the No. 1). The "middle period" quartets (op. 59, 74) shows Beethoven at his most "Heroic" style composing broad, sweeping, and increasing complex part writing - so much that the fickle Viennese audiences used to Haydn's and Mozart's classical style were not quite sure what to think of them. Even more abstract to audiences (outside Beethoven's quartet friends) were the late works (Op. 130-135) which progress to totally new ideas, sounds and organization. These included unusual, frequent and unexpected shifts in dynamics, tempo and key modulations. But most historic was an intangible emotive quality Beethoven introduced to music which might be termed "spirituality." What is most amazing is that these musical revolutions all were developed when in Bethoven's final years lived in a state of sadness, illness, deafness and isolation. Yet, having a lifetime of notes and music in his head, his composing skills were not limited at all by this deafness but perhaps even more focused. With their highly evolutionary form and spiritual nature, the late quartets are in a category of their own and have provoked many an analysis as to their meaning and connection to Beethoven's final years.

The Quartetto Italiano show why they were a legendary quartet in the 60's and 70's with a remarkable performance of great depth here. Complementing them is a vibrant Philips recording in spite of its 60's heritage. The sound is very good but just a little shy of depth and richness as compared to the modern DDD recordings like the new Takacs recordings (but absolutely nothing to deter purchase). One listen will reveal why it is a Gramophone "Top 100 Recording of all time." Given all the superb recordings since, this speaks highly of this set. Their playing is masterful, dramatic and probing - all while maintaining their characteristic smooth and emotive style that has endeared them for generations. Other notable quartets for these works include the Takacs, Emerson, Busch, Vegh, Talich, Alban Berg and Lindsay Quartets. All the above are rated 3/3 stars by Penguin Guide, so competion is fierce and it really comes down to what stylistic nuances most appeal to you. Other reviews below give some insights into the comparitive performance as each brings something different and insightful to the music (my first choices would be the Takacs or Alban Berg). So, get the one that most catches your interest and imagination. But, as far as value and quality of performance, this neatly-packaged Philips complete set of 10 CD's here may be hard to beat - although the superb Alban Berg set is a great value too. Compositions - 5 stars, Performance - 5 stars, Sound - 4.5 stars.

Side note: Before Beethoven tackled the quartet genre, he wrote some pretty superb music for STRING TRIO which are lesser-known pieces brimming with freshness, imagination and delightful harmonies in the more "classical tradition." The Leopold Trio or Grumiaux Trio are excellent choices for these. These five works for string trio are a neglected part of Beethoven's music that is most rewarding and provide a context for the later, monumental string quartets.

Geez! How many 5* reviews do you want. Its great - Get it........2005-01-02

Whilst I enjoyed the Lindsays Op.127 more thsn the rendition in this set, one doesn't make the whole and there is such consistency here. Each peace is given the attention it deserves and in some cases more - not every piece written by a master is a masterpiece.

Overall and specifically, a fantastic set, a credit to the group and whilst the perfect place to start with these sometimes seemingly impossibly sublime works, I would have no objection to finishing with them as well.

Beethoven: String Quartets - Borodin String Quartet (4 CDs)

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Beethoven: String Quartets - Borodin String Quartet (4 CDs)

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tchaikovsky: String Quartets Nos. 1 - 3/Souvenir De Florence
Twelfth Night: or, What You Will (Signet Classics)

ASIN: B000090WCC
Release Date: 2003-02-10

Tracks:

I Allegro
II Allegretto Vivace E Sempre Scherzando
III Adagio Molto E Mesto
IV Theme Russe: Allegro
I Introduzione: Andante Con Moto - Allegro Vivace
II Andante Con Moto - Allegro Vivace
III Menuetto: Grazioso
IV Allegro Molto

Tracks:

I Allegro Con Brio
II Allegretto Ma Non Troppo
III Allegro Assai Ma Serioso - Piu Allegro
IV Larghetto Espressivo - Allegro Agitato - Allegro
I Assai Sostenuto - Allegro
II Allegro Ma Non Tanto
III Molto Adagio, Andante ('Heiliger Dankgesang Eines Genesenen An Die Gottheit, In Der Lydischen Tonart'
IV Alla Marcia, Assai Vivace - Piu Allegro
V Allegro Appassionato

Tracks:

I Allegro Ma Non Tanto
II Scherzo: Andante Scherzoso Quasi Allegretto
III Menuetto: Allegretto
IV Allegro - Prestissimo
I Allegro
II Menuetto
III Andante Cantabile
IV Allegro

Tracks:

I Adagio Ma Non Troppo - Allegro
II Presto
III Andante Con Moto, Ma Non Troppo
IV Alla Danza Tedesca (Allegro Assai)
V Cavatina (Adagio Molto Espressivo)
Grosse Fuge In B Flat Major, Op. 133
VI Finale (Allegro)

Average customer rating:

Technically flawless, but lacking emotionally
Charming performances, good sound, budget packaging
Stay away from this cycle
Beethoven: The String Quartets
Simply The Best Ever Recording of Beethoven String Quartets

Beethoven: The String Quartets

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Beethoven: The Violin Sonatas
Mozart: The Violin Sonatas
Brahms: Complete String Quartets, Quintets & Sextets
Schubert: The String Quartets
Schubert: The Piano Sonatas

ASIN: B00002DEH2
Release Date: 2000-10-10

Tracks:

String Quartet In F Major, Op. 18 No. 1: Allegro con brio
String Quartet In F Major, Op. 18 No. 1: Adagio affettuoso ed appassionato
String Quartet In F Major, Op. 18 No. 1: Scherzo. Allegro molto
String Quartet In F Major, Op. 18 No. 1: Allegro
String Quartet In G Major, Op. 18 No.2: Allegro
String Quartet In G Major, Op. 18 No.2: Adagio cantabile - Allegro - Tempo I
String Quartet In G Major, Op. 18 No.2: Scherzo. Allegro
String Quartet In G Major, Op. 18 No.2: Allegro molto quasi Presto
String Quartet In D Major, Op. 18 No.3: Allegro
String Quartet In D Major, Op. 18 No.3: Andante con moto
String Quartet In D Major, Op. 18 No.3: Allegro
String Quartet In D Major, Op. 18 No.3: Presto

Tracks:

String Quartet In C Minor, Op. 18 No. 4: Allegro ma non tanto
String Quartet In C Minor, Op. 18 No. 4: Scherzo. Andante scherzoso quasi Allegretto
String Quartet In C Minor, Op. 18 No. 4: Menuetto. Allegretto
String Quartet In C Minor, Op. 18 No. 4: Allegro - Prestissimo
String Quartet In A Major, Op. 18 No. 5: Allegro
String Quartet In A Major, Op. 18 No. 5: Menuetto
String Quartet In A Major, Op. 18 No. 5: Andante cantabile. Thema - Variationen I-V - Coda. Poco Adagio
String Quartet In A Major, Op. 18 No. 5: Allegro
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 18 No. 6: Allegro con brio
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 18 No. 6: Adagio ma non troppo
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 18 No. 6: Scherzo. Allegro
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 18 No. 6: La Malinconia. Adagio - Allegretto quasi Allegro

Tracks:

String Quartet In F Major, Op. 59 No.1: Allegro
String Quartet In F Major, Op. 59 No.1: Allegretto vivace e sempre scherzando
String Quartet In F Major, Op. 59 No.1: Adagio molto e mesto - attacca
String Quartet In F Major, Op. 59 No.1: Theme russe. Allegro
String Quartet In E Minor, Op. 59 No.2: Allegro
String Quartet In E Minor, Op. 59 No.2: Molto Adagio. Si tratta questo pezzo con molto di sentimento
String Quartet In E Minor, Op. 59 No.2: Allegretto
String Quartet In E Minor, Op. 59 No.2: Finale. Presto

Tracks:

String Quartet In C Major, Op. 59 No.3: Introduzione. Andante con moto - Allegro vivace
String Quartet In C Major, Op. 59 No.3: Andante con moto quasi Allegretto
String Quartet In C Major, Op. 59 No.3: Menuetto. Grazioso - attacca:
String Quartet In C Major, Op. 59 No.3: Allegro molto
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 74 'Harp': Poco Adagio - Allegro
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 74 'Harp': Adagio ma non troppo
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 74 'Harp': Presto - attacca:
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 74 'Harp': Allegretto con Variazioni

Tracks:

String Quartet In F Minor, Op. 95: Allegro con brio
String Quartet In F Minor, Op. 95: Allegretto ma non troppo - attacca:
String Quartet In F Minor, Op. 95: Allegro assai vivace ma serioso
String Quartet In F Minor, Op. 95: Larghetto espressivo - Allegretto agitato
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 127: Maestoso - Allegro
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 127: Adagio, ma non troppo e molto cantabile - Andante con moto - Adagio molto espressivo
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 127: Scherzando vivace - Presto
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 127: Finale
Great Fugue In B Flat Major, Op. 133: Overtura. Allegro - Fuga:
Great Fugue In B Flat Major, Op. 133: Meno mosso e moderato
Great Fugue In B Flat Major, Op. 133: Allegro molto e con brio
Great Fugue In B Flat Major, Op. 133: Meno mosso e moderato
Great Fugue In B Flat Major, Op. 133: Allegro molto e con brio
Great Fugue In B Flat Major, Op. 133: Allegro

Tracks:

String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 130: Adagio ma non troppo - Allegro
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 130: Presto
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 130: Andante con moto, ma non troppo
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 130: Alla danza tedesca. Allegro assai
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 130: Cavatina. Adagio molto espressivo - attacca:
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 130: Finale. Allegro
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: Adagio, ma non troppo e molto espressivo - attacca:
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: Allegro molto vivace - attacca:
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: Allegro moderato - attacca:
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: Andante, ma non troppo e molto cantabile - Andante moderato e lusinghiero - Adagio - Allegretto - Adagio, ma non troppo e semplice - Allegretto
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: Presto - Molto poco adagio - attacca:
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: Adagio quasi un poco andante - attacca:
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: Allegro

Tracks:

String Quartet In A Minor, Op. 132: Assai sostenuto - Allegro
String Quartet In A Minor, Op. 132: Allegro ma non tanto
String Quartet In A Minor, Op. 132: Heiliger Dankgesang eines Genesenden an die Gottheit, in der lydischen Tonart. Molto adagio - Neue Kraft fuhlend. Andante - Molto adagio - Andante - Molto adagio. Mit innigster Empfindung
String Quartet In A Minor, Op. 132: Alla marcia, assai vivace - Piu allegro - attacca:
String Quartet In A Minor, Op. 132: Allegro appassionato
String Quartet In F Major, Op. 135: Allegretto
String Quartet In F Major, Op. 135: Vivace
String Quartet In F Major, Op. 135: Lento assai e cantante tranquillo
String Quartet In F Major, Op. 135: Der schwer gefaBte EntschluB. Grave (MuB es sein?) - Allegro (Es muB sein!) - Grave, ma non troppo tratto - Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Technically flawless, but lacking emotionally.......2007-03-29

I recently rented a copy of this set from the library just to see how the Amadeus quartet managed it...I have some of their other recordings, including their Brahms chamberworks survey, the complete Mozart quartets, selections of Haydn's late quartets, and a great version of Dvorak's "American". Having thoroughly enjoyed their playing on these other discs, I figured it couldn't hurt to sample their Beethoven. Well, I should have known better...I disliked this set for the exact same reasons I enjoyed their work with Mozart and Haydn - the performances felt overly smooth and overall lacking in terms of feeling. A great example of this would be the opening movement of Op. 130, at about the 1min. mark, when the allegro kicks in - it just sounds calculated and contrived to me.

I feel this way about a lot of sections (Op. 59 no. 3, finale, Op. 59 no. 2 Scherzo, Op. 74 intro, many of the late quartets) - similarly to my criticisms of Quartetto Italiano - where the overly glossy sheen detracts from the inherent conflict in the works, especially in the middle quartets. That being said, this approach really helps for the 6 quartets Op. 18, these actually being the best renditions I've heard.

One positive note amidst my criticisms: Beethoven's musical architecture is clearly audible here and very transparent (unlike Italiano, who sacrifice symmetry in favor of warm, genial sound). Still, if you are buying this set for the famous Middle and Late quartets, there are numerous better options available to you: the Takacs quartet (amazing), Talich quartet (a great budget set-really a great set at any price), Alban Berg (a tour-de-force in technique) and the Lindsay quartet (not as techincally sound, but warm & passionate readings).

A note about recording quality: not great. The lead violin is at times obnoxiously whiny and overbearing, and the cello is very quiet, though still audible.

To sum up - these performances are a good example of the polished, smooth performances of the 50s - 60s, and are a good reference as such. But other ensembles have had far more insightful approaches to these masterworks than the Amadeus quartet did, such as the Budapest quartet readings (also older recordings). Not bad as a budget set, but there are better alternatives out there.

Charming performances, good sound, budget packaging.......2007-02-21

I have little to add to the positive reviews below. The performances are inspired. And listening on audiophile headphones with a dedicated headphone amplifier, I find the recording quality to be quite good, especially considering the age of these recordings. (These performances were originally recorded in the early 1960s.)

The packaging consists of a clamshell cardboard box containing the discs, which are in individual paper sleeves. There is a fair booklet of essays about the compositions. This is certainly budget packaging, but at least it doesn't take up incredible volumes of space to house the seven CDs.

As this CD set is currently discounted as part of Amazon's "classical blowout," it's hard to beat the value. Enjoy!

Stay away from this cycle.......2007-02-18

These recordings have aged very badly. These are the most terrible performances of Beethoven's quartets I've ever heard, played without any heart, and no respect for Beethoven's markings. Worst of all the DG sound quality is one of their most unpleasant, so dry and unflattering that the high violin is painful to the ears. The Amadeus Quartet should have stuck to Mozart and Haydn.

As another reviewer on Amazon.co.uk states:

"The quartets were recorded in stages during the early 1960's. As such, they do not stand up to modern state of the art recordings. This disappointed me. I wanted to have the glory of Beethoven wrapped in a sumptuous wave of audiophile quality. These are period recordings and you can tell. They would have been acceptable in their day, but not now. The sound is brittle and one-dimensional, lacking the depth and warmth of wooden stringed instruments. At times, the higher registers of the lead violin are penetrating and harsh. The cello is barely discernible and only makes its presence felt during bouts of heavy bowing. It is generally difficult to separate the four instruments, thus spoiling a major reason for enjoying such pieces. Recent listening to Radio 3's lunchtime concerts has demonstrated how these string quartets should sound, ignoring individual interpretations. Some discs are better than others, but overall fall well short of modern standards."

Here's what Gramophone magazine said of these performances:

"In Beethoven they were at their best in the early quartets, which had a freshness and unaffected naturalness showing them in the finest light. But, in retrospect, the same smooth approach to the middle and later quartets brings an element of blandness. The Adagio of the first Razumovsky Quartet is very beautiful on the surface, the playing undoubtedly concentrated, but one senses a missing dimension. There is surely a greater depth in the music than they discover, and the same comment applies to the opening of the Harp Quartet, with its dramatic strokes somehow sounding calculated."

This set contains some of the cheapest packaging around with cardboard sleeves that scratch the CDs. The box wears very quickly and can't be replaced unless you buy another set, which I obviously don't recommend.

Buy the Takacs, Lindsays, or Emerson versions instead, as they're in are class of their own.

Beethoven: The String Quartets.......2007-01-10

This is an affordable reissue of the Amadeus Quartet's classic recordings of the complete Beethoven string quartets. The music is essential to any collection of chamber music, and the performances of the late quartets, perhaps the finest string quartets ever written, are beautifully done. The performance of the A minor Quartet (opus 132) is especially moving. The quality of the recording is quite good for a budget-priced reissue, and the interpretations of the music by the Amadeus Quartet are outstanding.

Simply The Best Ever Recording of Beethoven String Quartets.......2006-02-16

I grew up listening to many different recordings of this acclaimed Beethoven Cycle. I have admired Alban Berg Quartet (live EMI), Tokyo String Quartet and Guarneri Quartet recordings, but the warmth of the Amadeus Quartet sound in this recording and their interpretation is truly astonishing. I recommend this to anyone who really wants to understand the depth and complexity of possibly Beethoven best compositions.

Beethoven: Key to the Quartets / Emerson String Quartet

Average customer rating:

Beethoven: Key to the Quartets / Emerson String Quartet

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000041KW
Release Date: 1997-03-11

Tracks:

Op. 18, No. 4: I. Allegro
Op. 18, No. 1: II. Adagio
Op. 18, No. 5: II. Menuetto
Op. 59, No. 3, 'Razumovsky': IV. Finale
Op. 74, 'Harp': I. Adagio - Allegro
Op. 95, 'Serioso': I. Allegro
Op. 132: III. Heiliger Dankgesang
Op. 130: II. Presto
Op. 130: IV. Alla danza tedesca
Op. 130: V. Cavatina
Op. 135: IV. Finale

Average customer rating:

An excellent deal
Great bargain!!!
Overall, great value
Pleasant sounds for an economic price
A Bargain, for Sure

Beethoven: Complete String Quartets

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas
Berlioz: Complete Orchestral Works
Brahms: Complete String Quartets, Quintets & Sextets
Shostakovich: The String Quartets
Brahms: Works for Solo Piano

ASIN: B0000037BC
Release Date: 1995-03-29

Tracks:

String Quartet In F Major, Opus 18 No. 1: I. Allegro con brio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In F Major, Opus 18 No. 1: II. Adagio affettuoso ed appassionato - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In F Major, Opus 18 No. 1: III. Scherzo: Allegro molto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In F Major, Opus 18 No. 1: IV. Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In G Major, Opus 18 No. 2: I. Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In G Major, Opus 18 No. 2: II. Adagio cantabile - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In G Major, Opus 18 No. 2: III. Scherzo: Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In G Major, Opus 18 No. 2: IV. Allegro molto quasi Presto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In D Major, Opus 18 No. 3: I. Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In D Major, Opus 18 No. 3: II. Andante - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In D Major, Opus 18 No. 3: III. Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In D Major, Opus 18 No. 3: IV. Presto - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Tracks:

String Quartet In C Minor, Opus 18 No. 4: I. Allegro ma non tanto - L.V. Beethoven
String Quartet In C Minor, Opus 18 No. 4: II Scherzo: Andante scherzoso quasi Allegretto - L.V. Beethoven
String Quartet In C Minor, Opus 18 No. 4: III. Menuetto e Trio: Allegretto - L.V. Beethoven
String Quartet In C Minor, Opus 18 No. 4: IV. Allegro - L.V. Beethoven
String Quartet In A Major, Opus 18 No. 5: I. Allegro - L.V. Beethoven
String Quartet In A Major, Opus 18 No. 5: II. Menuetto e Trio - L.V. Beethoven
String Quartet In A Major, Opus 18 No. 5: III. Andante cantabile - L.V. Beethoven
String Quartet In A Major, Opus 18 No. 5: IV. Allegro - L.V. Beethoven
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Opus 18 No. 6: I. Allegro con brio - L.V. Beethoven
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Opus 18 No. 6: II. Adagio ma non troppo - L.V. Beethoven
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Opus 18 No. 6: III. Scherzo e Trio: Allegro - L.V. Beethoven
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Opus 18 No. 6: IV. La Malinconia: Adagio - Allegretto quasi Allegro - L.V. Beethoven

Tracks:

String Quartet In C Major, Opus 29: I. Allegro moderato - L.V. Beethoven
String Quartet In C Major, Opus 29: II. Adagio molto espressivo - L.V. Beethoven
String Quartet In C Major, Opus 29: III. Scherzo & Trio: Allegro - L.V. Beethoven
String Quartet In C Major, Opus 29: IV. Presto - L.V. Beethoven
String Quartet In F Major, Opus 59 No. 1 'Razumovsky': I. Allegro - L.V. Beethoven
String Quartet In F Major, Opus 59 No. 1 'Razumovsky': II. Allegretto vivace e sempre scherzando - L.V. Beethoven
String Quartet In F Major, Opus 59 No. 1 'Razumovsky': III. Adagio molto e mesto - L.V. Beethoven
String Quartet In F Major, Opus 59 No. 1 'Razumovsky': IV. Theme Russe: Allegro - L.V. Beethoven

Tracks:

String Quartet In E Minor, Opus 59 No. 2 'Razumovsky': I. Allegro - Beethoven
String Quartet In E Minor, Opus 59 No. 2 'Razumovsky': II. Molto Adagio - Beethoven
String Quartet In E Minor, Opus 59 No. 2 'Razumovsky': III. Allegretto - Beethoven
String Quartet In E Minor, Opus 59 No. 2 'Razumovsky': IV. Finale: Presto - Beethoven
String Quartet In C Major, Opus 59 No. 3 'Razumovsky': I. Introduzione: Andante con moto - Allegro vivace - Beethoven
String Quartet In C Major, Opus 59 No. 3 'Razumovsky': II. Andante con moto quasi Allegretto - Beethoven
String Quartet In C Major, Opus 59 No. 3 'Razumovsky': III. Menuetto: Grazioso - Beethoven
String Quartet In C Major, Opus 59 No. 3 'Razumovsky': IV. Allegro molto - Beethoven

Tracks:

String Quartet In E Flat Major, Opus 74 'Harp': I. Poco Adagio - Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Opus 74 'Harp': II. Adagio ma non troppo - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Opus 74 'Harp': III. Presto - Piu presto quasi prestissimo - Tempo 1 - Piu presto quasi prestissimo - Tempo 1 - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Opus 74 'Harp': IV. Allegretto con Variazioni - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In F Minor, Opus 95 'Quartetto serioso': I. Allegro con brio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In F Minor, Opus 95 'Quartetto serioso': II. Allegretto ma non troppo - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In F Minor, Opus 95 'Quartetto serioso': III. Allegro assai vivace ma serioso - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In F Minor, Opus 95 'Quartetto serioso': IV. Larghetto espressivo - Allegretto agitato - Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Tracks:

String Quartet In B Flat Major, Opus 130: I. Adagio ma non troppo - Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Opus 130: II. Presto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Opus 130: III. Andante con moto ma non troppo - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Opus 130: IV. Alla danza tedesca. Allegro assai - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Opus 130: V. Cavatina. Adagio molto espressivo - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Opus 130: VI. Gosse Fuge, Op.133 - Original Finale of Op. 130 - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Opus 130: VII. Finale (Allegro) - Replacement Finale of Op. 130 - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Tracks:

String Quartet In E Flat Major, Opus 127: I. Maestoso - Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Opus 127: II. Adagio, ma non troppo e molto cantabile - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Opus 127: III. Scherzando vivace - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Opus 127: IV. Finale - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Opus 131: No. 1 Adagio ma non troppo e molto espressivo - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Opus 131: No. 2 Allegro molto vivace - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Opus 131: No. 3 Allegro moderato - Adagio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Opus 131: No. 4 Andante ma non troppo e molto cantabile - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Opus 131: No. 5 Presto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Opus 131: No. 6 Adagio quasi un poco andante - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Opus 131: No. 7 Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Tracks:

String Quartet In A minor, Opus 132: I. Assai sostenuto - Allegro - L.V. Beethoven
String Quartet In A minor, Opus 132: II. Allegro ma non tanto - L.V. Beethoven
String Quartet In A minor, Opus 132: IV. Heiliger Dankgesang eines Genesenen an die Gottheit in der Lydischen Tonart: Molto adagio - Andante - L.V. Beethoven
String Quartet In A minor, Opus 132: I.V Alla Marcia, assai vivace - Piu allegro - L.V. Beethoven
String Quartet In A minor, Opus 132: V. Allegro appassionato - L.V. Beethoven
String Quartet In F Major, Opus 135: I. Allegretto - L.V. Beethoven
String Quartet In F Major, Opus 135: II. Vivace - L.V. Beethoven
String Quartet In F Major, Opus 135: III. Lento assai, cantante e tranquillo - L.V. Beethoven
String Quartet In F Major, Opus 135: IV. Grave ma non troppo - Allegro - L.V. Beethoven

Amazon.com

Beethoven's quartets are a cornerstone of Western music, and this bargain-priced set of all of them is wonderful. The Medici, an English quartet, play without frill or exaggeration, and their techniques cannot be faulted. From the joy of some of the early works to the torment of the last handful (and "Grosse Fuge"), they communicate all the composer's humanity. This eight-CD set is a real find. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

An excellent deal.......2006-10-16

This bargain box, is an excellent deal. The Medici Quartet make listening to these masterpieces a very enjoyable experience indeed. I know they're not perfectly done, but they're more enjoyable than most of the Beethoven quartet recordings that's for sure. The discs sound quality is dreamy good and the Medici Quartet are musical without exception.

Highlights: Op. 18, Op. 95, Op. 127 and 131.
Almost every performance sparkles, and the price is mind-boggling.

Great bargain!!!.......2006-04-27

The Medici Quartet's Beethoven cycle is a great bargain. Here you'll find some magical performances with only a few flaws. But for me, these "flaws" are just a friendly reminder of how hard this music is to play. The sound quality is large in that Nimbus records way, but it works. As John from New York wrote: turning up the bass -one notch- is a good idea, but not essential. These recordings are crisp, clear, and brilliantly performed. The only performances I didn't care for were Op. 59 no. 1, Op. 130 and Op. 133. But, the rest ranged from really good to great, which includes a beautiful string quintet Op.29.

Call me nuts or musically uneducated, but I'd take these over the Takacs Quartet's Beethoven anytime.

Overall, great value.......2006-01-26

I have not heard too many entire sets of the Beethoven Quartets but I would be shocked if there is one set with 16 outstanding performances. It just does not happen. This bargain set has 13 excellent performances out of 17 (it also includes the opus 29 quintet). The weak performances are from opus 18: Nos. 1, 4 and 6 plus opus 95. I found the rest to be quite wonderful, especially opus 74, 127 and 135. This 8 CD set costs the same as two full-priced CDs. You can't go wrong at that price.

Pleasant sounds for an economic price.......2005-12-24

I agree whole-heartedly with the previous reviewer that the Medici String Quartet's performances on this CD Box Collection are by no means the highest of quality interpretation of Beethoven's renown String Quartets, yet they are far from the worst. I found the recording to be pristine and clear, and found it quite enjoyable. I would not consider this collection free from flaws, nor could I many other, yet I find that this collection's extremely great price outweighs any of its flaws.

In conclusion, I rate this interpretation 4 stars for its steal of a price and minimal flaws. For the average consumer lacking 50 to a 100+ dollars to spend on a single music purchase, this is the perfect collection for you. If this is not an issue,however, then go for the higher quality reproductions (although I have no doubt that this version is very well sufficient and enjoyable for the casual and enthusiast buyers alike).

A Bargain, for Sure.......2005-09-21

I certainly agree that this set is a deal--lots of Beethoven, in committed performances and fine sound, for very little money. Realistically, the Medici Quartet do their best work in the Early Quartets, capturing all the confidence and swagger of the young Beethoven announcing his mastery in chamber music's most challenging medium. Equally fine is the Medici's bonus String Quintet in C, which despite being written on the verge of Beethoven's Middle Period is one of his most classically poised chamber works.

In the Middle and Late Quartets, where the challenge from big-name string quartets is fierce, the Medici are not quite as effective. Some critics say a string quartet is only as strong as its cello player since this member must be relied on to give weight and contour to a performance. If that's the case, the Medici's Anthony Lewis lets the quartet down somewhat. His intonation is not always dead-on, and in some of the more difficult music--such as Opus 59, No. 3, with its breakneck fugal finale and first movement with exposed runs for the cello--he doesn't quite come through for the Medici. This certainly doesn't disqualify the set from serious consideration; the performances are still well judged and mostly well played. It's just that the set won't be a first choice if you want the very finest performances. In that case you will probably want to turn to the Takacs on Decca, for instance.

On the other hand, mistakes by the Medici are few; maybe the most glaring is the allegretto tempo the quartet takes for the scherzo of the Opus 95. Beethoven's marking: Allegro assai vivace. Just listen to the limp impression that the Medici make, and you will realize that Beethoven knew what he was asking for. Any slower tempo drains this music of its superbly manic quality. The tempo choice throws a wet blanket as well on the last movement, where Beethoven seems to be trying out a new chamber music language before the lighthearted, almost mocking coda in the major key. In this work, Beethoven is just about to turn the corner toward his Late Period. The quartet should seethe with the restlessness of a composer on the verge of a breakthrough. The Medici seem oblivious to the fact. And surprisingly, despite their vigorous performances of the Early Quartets, their playing in the Haydnesque replacement finale of Op. 130 lacks dash and wit.

Otherwise, the performances here are thoroughly solid even if they are without great distinction. Then again, the performances of the Early Quartets and of the Quintet seem just about perfect to me. And the sound is first-class throughout. So if you want a very respectable overview of the Beethoven String Quartets at a budget price, the Medici version is entirely recommendable.

Average customer rating:

Definitely Worth Getting: Astonishing Performance!
Student Violinist Finds Inspiration
excellent disks
The best Budapest Quartet plays the early Beethoven

Beethoven: String Quartets, Op. 18

Manufacturer: CBS
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beethoven The Middle Quartets in Concert at the Library of Congress 1940-1960
Great Performances From The Library Of Congress, Vol. 6: Budapest String Quartet In Concert At The Library of Congress

ASIN: B0000028MR
Release Date: 1993-02-09

Tracks:

String Quartets, Op. 18 - No. 1 In F Major: I. Allegro con brio
String Quartets, Op. 18 - No. 1 In F Major: II. Adagio affettuoso ed appassionato
String Quartets, Op. 18 - No. 1 In F Major: III. Scherzo. Allegro molto.
String Quartets, Op. 18 - No. 1 In F Major: IV. Allegro
String Quartets, Op. 18 - No. 2 In G Major: I. Allegro
String Quartets, Op. 18 - No. 2 In G Major: II. Adagio cantabile - Allegro
String Quartets, Op. 18 - No. 2 In G Major: III. Scherzo. Allegro
String Quartets, Op. 18 - No. 2 In G Major: IV. Allegro molto quasi Presto
String Quartets, Op. 18 - No. 3 In D Major: I. Allegro
String Quartets, Op. 18 - No. 3 In D Major: II. Andante con moto
String Quartets, Op. 18 - No. 3 In D Major: III. Allegro
String Quartets, Op. 18 - No. 3 In D Major: IV. Presto

Tracks:

String Quartets, Op. 18 - No. 4 In C Minor: I. Allegro ma non tanto
String Quartets, Op. 18 - No. 4 In C Minor: II. Scherzo. Andante scherzoso quasi Allegretto
String Quartets, Op. 18 - No. 4 In C Minor: III. Menuetto. Allegretto
String Quartets, Op. 18 - No. 4 In C Minor: IV. Allegro
Sting Quartets, Op. 18 - No 5 In A Major: I. Allegro
Sting Quartets, Op. 18 - No 5 In A Major: II. Menuetto
Sting Quartets, Op. 18 - No 5 In A Major: III. Andante cantabile
Sting Quartets, Op. 18 - No 5 In A Major: IV. Allegro
Sting Quartets, Op. 18 - No. 6 In B-Flat Major: I. Allegro con brio
Sting Quartets, Op. 18 - No. 6 In B-Flat Major: II. Adagio ma non troppo
Sting Quartets, Op. 18 - No. 6 In B-Flat Major: III. Scherzo. Allegro
Sting Quartets, Op. 18 - No. 6 In B-Flat Major: IV. La Malinconia. Adagio - Allegretto quasi Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Definitely Worth Getting: Astonishing Performance!.......2003-04-25

The Budapest String Quartet is an outstanding ensemble that began in 1917 and played together, with some variation in personnel for the next 50 years. IT is one of the greatest string quartets on record. Musicians on this 1951 album include Joseph Roisman, first violin, 1932-1967; Jac Gorodetzky, second violin, 1932-1933 and 1940-something to 1955; Boris Kroyt, viola, 1936-1967; and Mischa Schneider, cello, 1930-1967. Not only are the musicians impeccable, but, since moving to the United States in 1938, the quartet had access to four Stradivari. Despite the age of this recording (1956), the recording quality is excellent.

The music itself, written between 1798 and 1800, is not as well known as some of Beethoven's other work, but it is absolutely beautiful. The first disk's 3 quartets feature bright, spirited playing, with added depth on Quartet 3 in D Major of side 1. Quartet 4 has a more somber and dramatic mood, more like the Beethoven works to which one may be more accustomed. No. 5 in A Major returns to the spirited, dancelike composition of the first 3 quartets. The mood is so infectious and rhythmic that one can almost hear the rustling of dancers' clothing. The final quartet, No. 6 in B-flat Major, returns some of the more weighty motifs. Throughout, the musicians demonstrate tremendous virtuosity and great empathy in the dynamics and pacing. This is truly exciting music, played by a masterful quartet.

Student Violinist Finds Inspiration.......2003-03-02

As a teen I happened upon this recording as an LP record while looking for something at the library. I was a student violinist and fell in love with the expressiveness and skill of the Budepesters. I went through many teenage passions to this music. Now over two decades later I find this recording to be one of the best finds in classical music. The Budapesters play more with poetic inspiration than mathematical calculation giving the music a performance that does justice to the genius that is Beethoven. I would recommend this recording to both new initiates to classical music and connoisseurs alike. It is a must have for any serious collector of good music, and can be considered to be among the most beautiful of all musical performances.

excellent disks.......2002-01-22

These performances are warm and powerfully projected, muscularly shaped and full of intelligent affection. The Budapesters take their time with the music, allowing the phrases to enjoy all the space they require. The 1951-1952 recordings are rich and full and quite "present", though the balance emphasizes the first violin a bit at the expense of the inner voices, and there are times (in the First Quartet, for example) when one hears more detailed instrument pairings in the old Busch recording, from the 1930s, than in these releases. Nevertheless, magnificent and authoritative performances very well transferred. I recommend this set quite highly.

The best Budapest Quartet plays the early Beethoven.......2000-06-12

The entire cycle of Beethoven quartets was recorded in the early 1950's at the Library of Congress, using Stradivarius instruments. This was the only time in the history of the quartet when the composition of musicians changed, there being someone different on second violin. These were issued first on Columbia LP in the early 1950's and later on the Odyssey label in the early 1980's. Only these early quartets from that session have been reissued on CD so far. Somehow the Budapest achieves a balance and a level of inspiration among themselves that I don't hear in any of their other admittedly fine recordings of this music either before or since. I hope Sony also reissues the middle and late quartets from this session --- my LPs are getting very worn.

Average customer rating:

Absolutely top class
Very special
Marvelous, just marvelous
Magnificent Reading of Challenging Music
Warm, excellent performances

Beethoven: Complete String Quartets
Ludwig van Beethoven , and Le Quatuor Talich
Manufacturer: Calliope France
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tchaikovsky: Symphonies Nos. 1-6
Mozart: The Six String Quintets
Leos Janácek: Cunning Little Vixen (Suite) / Sinfonietta / Schluck & Jau / Jealousy (Original Prelude) / Kát'a Kabanová (Overture & Interludes) / Taras Bulba / Sárka (Overture) - Sir Charles Mackerras / Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
EMI Great Recordings of Century - Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4/Klemperer
Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet

ASIN: B00004YX0R
Release Date: 2000-10-10

Tracks:

Qt in F, Op.18 No.1: Allegro Con Brio
Qt in F, Op.18 No.1: Adagio Affetuoso Appassionato
Qt in F, Op.18 No.1: Scherzo (Allegro Molto)
Qt in F, Op.18 No.1: Allegro
Qt in G, Op.18 No.2 'Compliment-Qt': Allegro
Qt in G, Op.18 No.2 'Compliment-Qt': Adagio Cantabile - Allegro
Qt in G, Op.18 No.2 'Compliment-Qt': Scherzo (Allegro)
Qt in G, Op.18 No.2 'Compliment-Qt': Allegro Molto Quasi Presto
Qt in D, Op.18 No.3: Allegro
Qt in D, Op.18 No.3: Andante Con Moto
Qt in D, Op.18 No.3: Allegor
Qt in D, Op.18 No.3: Presto

Tracks:

Qt in c, Op.18 No.4: Allegro Ma Non Tanto
Qt in c, Op.18 No.4: Andante Scherzo Quasi Allegretto
Qt in c, Op.18 No.4: Menuetto (Allegretto)
Qt in c, Op.18 No.4: Allegro
Qt in A, Op.18 No.5: Allegro
Qt in A, Op.18 No.5: Menuetto
Qt in A, Op.18 No.5: Andante Cantabile
Qt in A, Op.18 No.5: Allegro
Qt in B flat, Op.18 No.6 'La Malinconia': Allegro Con Brio
Qt in B flat, Op.18 No.6 'La Malinconia': Adagio Ma Non Troppo
Qt in B flat, Op.18 No.6 'La Malinconia': Scherzo (Allegro)
Qt in B flat, Op.18 No.6 'La Malinconia': Adagio: La Malinconia - Allegretto Quasi Allegro...

Tracks:

Grande Fugue in B flat, Op.133
Qt No.11 in f, Op.95: Allegro Con Brio
Qt No.11 in f, Op.95: Allegretto Ma Non Troppo
Qt No.11 in f, Op.95: Allegro Assai Vivace Ma Serioso
Qt No.11 in f, Op.95: Larghetto Esperessivo - Allegro Agitato
Qt No.12 in E flat, Op.127: Maestoso - Allegro
Qt No.12 in E flat, Op.127: Adagio Ma Non Troppo E Molto Cantabile
Qt No.12 in E flat, Op.127: Scherzando Vivace
Qt No.12 in E flat, Op.127: Finale

Tracks:

Qt No.10 in E flat, Op.74: Poco Adagio - Allegro
Qt No.10 in E flat, Op.74: Adagio Ma Non Troppo
Qt No.10 in E flat, Op.74: Presto
Qt No.10 in E flat, Op.74: Allegro Con Variazioni
Qt No.7 in F, Op.59 No.1: Allegro
Qt No.7 in F, Op.59 No.1: Allegretto
Qt No.7 in F, Op.59 No.1: Adagio Molto E Mesto - Allegro

Tracks:

Qt No.13 in B flat, Op.130: Adagio Ma Non Troppo - Allegro
Qt No.13 in B flat, Op.130: Presto
Qt No.13 in B flat, Op.130: Andante Con Moto Ma Non Troppo
Qt No.13 in B flat, Op.130: A La Danza Tedesca (Allegro Assai)
Qt No.13 in B flat, Op.130: Cavatine (Adagio Molto Espressivo)
Qt No.13 in B flat, Op.130: Finale: Allegro
Qt No.8 in E, Op.59 No.2: Allegro
Qt No.8 in E, Op.59 No.2: Molto Adagio
Qt No.8 in E, Op.59 No.2: Allegretto
Qt No.8 in E, Op.59 No.2: Finale: Presto

Tracks:

Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: Adagio Ma Non Troppo E Molto Expressivo
Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: Allegro Molto Vivace
Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: Allegro Moderato - Adagio - Piu Vivace
Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: Andante Ma Non Troppo E Molto Cantabile
Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: Presto
Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: Adagio Quasi Un Poco Andante
Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: Allegro
Qt No.9 in C, Op.59 No.3: Andante Con Moto - Allegro Vivace
Qt No.9 in C, Op.59 No.3: Andante Con Moto Quasi Allegretto
Qt No.9 in C, Op.59 No.3: Menuetto
Qt No.9 in C, Op.59 No.3: Allegro Molto

Tracks:

Qt No.16 in F, Op.135: Allegretto
Qt No.16 in F, Op.135: Vivace
Qt No.16 in F, Op.135: Lento Assai, Cantate E Tranquillo
Qt No.16 in F, Op.135: Grave Ma Non Troppo Tratto - Allegro
Qt No.15 in a, Op.132: Assai Sostenuto - Allegro
Qt No.15 in a, Op.132: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Qt No.15 in a, Op.132: Molto Adagio
Qt No.15 in a, Op.132: Alla Marcia, Assai Vivace - Piu Allegro - Finale

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely top class.......2005-08-20

I really can't understand the previous comment about "period instruments". The instruments used for these interpretations ARE such:

Violin : Petr Messiereur (Peter Guarnerius, 1703)
Violin : Jan Kvapil (Laurentius Guadagnini, 1741)
Viola : Jan Talich (Laurentius Guadagnini, 1742)
Cello : Evzen Rattay (Stradivarius, 1690)

"Of course", this information is not available at the poor booklet that comes with the box.
I think this recording is one of the greatest around, right after the legendary Vlach and Vegh interpretations- which are, quite unfortunately, both rather poorly recorded.
This cycle is both finely recorded (analogue at its best) and fantastically interpreted- so it deserves 6 stars for the preformance and 2 stars for the package. The average does not sum up to 5, but I do give 5 stars, simply because a better compromise is simply impossible to find...

Very special.......2005-06-07

No doubt quite good interpretations. They are non the less also some of the most peculiar. That is perhaps partly due to the engineering, the ambience of the sound, but also to the playing style. This quartet sounds different from all other quartets I have ever heard. The bow on the strings often sounds very ugly, like somebody filing some metal. It is something feverish about it, at the same time something frail. It makes me think of sunshine stinging in the eyes. Suffice it to say that it is nothing fleshy about the sound of this quartet. Tempos are mostly brisk, the touch is light - in spite of the filing sound, which also can be described as a thin, withered, squeaky sound. Summa summarum: This quartet gives a so peculiar atmosphere to the Beethoven quartets that it is no point in comparing to other quartets, just as summer cannot feel like winter. This is summer. Summer heat, sultry, close, smoky, of barbeque or rubbish fire of withered leaves... I feel that these recordings are quite aristocratic, of very good taste, delicate, intimate. This has nothing to do with "old world", as both the Alban Berg quartet and Quartetto Italiano are (were?) "old world" and yet a far cry from Talich. I love to have this one in my collection, because it gives something not any other quartet gives.
Not my first choice, however, I would rather go for Takacs (op. 18), Takacs or Tokyo (middle quartets). To me, Tokyo rules when it comes to the late quartets, but that's me. I guess most people will prefer the Takacs quartet all the way, with the exception of the Quartetto Italiano congregation. Talich is something special, but very good as such.

Marvelous, just marvelous.......2004-02-11

There's no need for italics when playing Beethoven. The music will speak for itself just fine, and that's just the approach Talich has chosen. These guys are as good, technically speaking, as anybody but what stands out is how unassuming they are. None of that "look Ma, see how fast I can play" that we get from the Emersons. Anyway, this is the set for you. Yes, I've heard others -- Italiano, Budapest, Guarneri, and Tokyo -- and the Talich has them beat across the full cycle of 16.

Magnificent Reading of Challenging Music.......2004-02-05

I'm normally a period-instrument listener, almost to the exclusion of everything else. There is no complete cycle of Beethoven's string quartets on period instruments, so I hunted around for a good modern instrument set, and was directed to this one. I am thrilled with the result. The Quatuor Talich give a magnificent reading of this music, allowing the graces and nuances of Beethoven's sometimes fiendishly difficult music to shine through.

Two words of criticism--the cover for the box set has got to be THE WORST classical album cover I have ever seen--godawful Blake-meets-Stanley Kubrick garbage that belongs on an album of bad early-80s synthesiser music. AND--Amazon customers, be warned: I picked up this set at a local record store for $39.98 CANADIAN--that's $29.98 in the US at current coversion rates. Why is Amazon stiffing its customers by charging $55.00 US? This is supposed to be a bargain-basement set (as the bargain-basement cover will tell you). Please, Amazon, reprice this fine set now!

Warm, excellent performances.......2003-11-22

I agree with the 4 earlier reviewers. I've listened to a number of other highly regarded performances, including those from the Italian, Emerson, and Lindsays, and the Talich Quartet are the best hands down. I think that it's possible to get a feel for some of the best performances by reading reviews, but the only way to find the best performance for you is to listen to them yourself. The samples on Amazon do help in that regard, and still better is to be able to sample longer passages at a book or music store, etc. You can hear extended excerpts from the Emerson String Quartet at the NPR Performance Today website. According to the experts at NPR, the Emerson are supposed to be the best, but for my 2 cents they are way too rushed, and the Talich blows them away. But do your own due diligence.

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