String Quartets in G Op 13: In F Minor Op 5

On this CD:

1. String quartet No 1 in G Minor, Op 13/FS 4
Composed by Carl Nielsen

2. String quartet No.2 in F minor, Op.5 (FS11)
Composed by Carl Nielsen

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:

Hum a little Shostakovich
Not just a bargain--a must-have
lusterless
Rating this bargain set against the Emersons at full price
A triumph of creativity over censorship

Shostakovich: The String Quartets

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Brahms: Works for Solo Piano
Béla Bartók: The 6 String Quartets - Takács Quartet

ASIN: B0000042HV
Release Date: 1998-02-10

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 3 In F Major, Op. 73: I. Allegretto - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 3 In F Major, Op. 73: II. Moderato con moto - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 3 In F Major, Op. 73: III. Allegro non troppo - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 3 In F Major, Op. 73: IV. Adagio - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 3 In F Major, Op. 73: V. Moderato - Adagio - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 4 In D Major, Op. 83: I. Allegretto - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 4 In D Major, Op. 83: II. Andantino - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 4 In D Major, Op. 83: III. Allegretto - D. Shostakovich

Tracks:

String Quartet No .5 In B flat Major, Op. 92: I. Allegro non troppo - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 5 In B Flat Major, Op. 92: II. Andante - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 5 In B Flat Major, Op. 92: III. Moderato - Allegretto - Andante - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 6 In G Major, Op. 101: I. Allegretto - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 6 In G Major, Op. 101: II. Moderato con moto - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 6 In G Major, Op. 101: III. Lento - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No.6 in G Major, Op. 101: IV. Allegretto - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 7 In F Sharp Minor, Op. 108: I. Allegretto - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 7 zIn F Sharp Minor, Op. 108: II. Lento - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 7 In F Sharp Minor, Op. 108: III. Allegro - Allegretto - D. Shostakovich

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 110: I. Largo - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 110: II. Allegro molto - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 110: III. Allegretto - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 110: IV. Largo - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 110: V. Largo - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 9 In E Flat Major, Op. 117: I. Moderato con moto - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 9 In E Flat Major, Op. 117: II. Adagio - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 9 In E Flat Major, Op. 117: III. Allegretto - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 9 In E Flat Major, Op. 117: IV. Adagio - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 9 In E Flat Major, Op. 117: V. Allegro - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 10 In A Flat Major, Op. 118: I. Andante - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 10 In A Flat Major, Op. 118: II. Allegretto furioso - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 10 In A Flat Major, Op. 118: III. Adagio - - D. Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 10 In A Flat Major, Op. 118: IV. Allegretto - Andante - D. Shostakovich

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 11 In F Minor, Op. 122: I. Introduction: Andantino - Dmitri Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 11 In F Minor, Op. 122: II. Scherzo: Allegretto - Dmitri Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 11 In F Minor, Op. 122: III. Recitative: Adagio - Dmitri Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 11 In F Minor, Op. 122: IV. Etude: Allegro - Dmitri Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 11 In F Minor, Op. 122: V. Humoresque: Allegro - Dmitri Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 11 In F Minor, Op. 122: VI. Elegy: Adagio - Dmitri Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 11 In F Minor, Op. 122: I. Finale: Moderato - Dmitri Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 12 In D Flat Major, Op. 133: II. Moderato - Allegreto - Dmitri Shostakovich
Allegretto - Adagio - Moderato - Allegreto - Dmitri Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 13 In B Flat Minor, Op. 138: Adagio - Doppio movimento - Tempo primo - Dmitri Shostakovich

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 14 In F Major, Op. 142: I. Allegretto - Dmitri Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 14 In F Major, Op. 142: II. Adagio - Dmitri Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 14 In F Major, Op. 142: III. Allegretto - Adagio - Dmitri Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 15 E-Flat Minor, Op. 144: I. Elegy. Adagio - Dmitri Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 15 E-Flat Minor, Op. 144: II. Serenade. Adagio - Dmitri Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 15 E-Flat Minor, Op. 144: III. Intermezzo. Adagio - Dmitri Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 15 E-Flat Minor, Op. 144: IV. Nocturne. Adagio - Dmitri Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 15 E-Flat Minor, Op. 144: V. Funeral March. Adagio molto - Dmitri Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 15 E-Flat Minor, Op. 144: VI. Epilogue. Adagio - Dmitri Shostakovich

Amazon.com

The Fitzwilliam Quartet is English by birth but shows a lot of Russian soul in these works, which were recorded in consultation with the composer. Their technique is flawless, their immersion in the music total, their interaction with one another and with the music spontaneous and intense. Priced competitively with the Borodin Quartet, they do not have any added attraction to match the Piano Quintet in that set, but this close-up stereo recording is significantly better. Highlights of the set include the relaxed, folk-flavored No. 1; the tense, autobiographical No. 8, which recalls the terrors of World War II, quotes a lot of Shostakovich's earlier works, and mourns for the "victims of fascism and war"; the contrasts of quiet beauty and fierce intensity in No. 10; and the bold structure of No. 15, Shostakovich's last quartet, in which he looks at death, steadily and without blinking. --Joe McLellan

Customer Reviews:

Hum a little Shostakovich.......2007-02-19

I enjoyed these performances and would have purchased this album, but there is a persistent hum on some of these CDs and, once noticed, it became impossible for me not to notice it.

Not just a bargain--a must-have.......2007-02-05

There are perhaps several complete Shostakovich cycles one would like to own for these amazing pieces, and this is one of them. Not every single quartet is perfect, but that is to be expected. What these players excel in is an emotional depth that is perhaps left behind in the sheer brilliance of the Emerson SQ's playing.

Their tempi are excellent: fast when necessary, and painfully slow where Shostakovich asks for it. Perhaps my favorite point of their playing is the articulation, which is broader than most recordings I hear. Typically, they only play short when asked to in the score, and I think this sounds better than, for instance, if the opening of the Fifth Quartet, a work of enormous gravity and passion, is taken lightly.

Get this one. Highly recommended.

lusterless.......2006-11-05

The only qualm I have with this set is that the String Quartet No. 9 is a lusterless endeavor when compared to other renditions. The intensity and suffering just isnt there.

Rating this bargain set against the Emersons at full price.......2006-03-09

For many buyers the choice for a complete cycle of the Shostakovich quartets will come down to three: the Borodin, Emerson, and Fitzwilliam quartets. I own the latter two and can offer a comparison.

Fitzwilliam: This set, made between 1975-77 in a church in Surrey, has the advantage of price. Although the 15 quartets are spread out over 6 CDs as compared to 5 for the Emersons, Decca offers this cycle at roughly half the cost of the DG cycle (it's much cheaper than that, even, on the used market). The performances eschew Russian soul, grit, and emotional extremes such as one hears from the Borodin Quartet. The Fitzwilliam Quartet sounds soulful but stops short of impassioned. As much as it is possible, they make this music friendly and easy to listen to without sacrificing all of its bite and sarcasm. They are not a virtuoso group (English critics actually praise them for this lack, as if the Emersons' technical mastery was a sign of glibness), so individual solo lines, of which there are many in these quartets, sound medium well played, not dazzling. Decca's sound as transferred to CD can be a bit shrill and congested but is certainly good enough. One large missing ingredient is tonal variation--the Fitzwilliam doesn't search out the peculiar tonalities that are implied in Shostakovich's string writing, which can be eerie, ghostly, brutal, and caustic by turns.

Emerson: Recorded in Aspen at intervals between 1994 and 1999, these are live performances from the music festival and are thus not ideal sonically. What's most lacking is solidity and body. Even so, the recorded sound is considerably more detailed than in the Fitzwilliam set, or any other of the four I listened to. When this cycle was first issued in 1999 it swept the field for good reason. The Emersons are head and shoulders above any other quartet for sheer virtuosity in this music. Not that virtuosity is required very often, but the many solo lines are rendered with exquisite technique, and the Emersons pay very close attention to changes in tonality. As a result, these performances are more varied and interesting to listen to than any competitor that I sampled (including the Fitzwilliam, Brodsky, Borodin, St. Petersburg, and Shostakovich quartets on various labels).

The drawbacks are price (it's hard to find even a used set for under $70) and the prevalent accusation, from some quarters, that the Emersons lack Russian soul--they are supposedly too cool, detached, and efficient. Yet this charge can be turned around to say that the Emersons make Shostakovich sound more modern by removing a layer of sentiment. It's really up to the listener to decide, yet I found that cool detachment is not prevalent here--not by any means--and the reviewer below who thinks that the tempos are uniformly too fast is not aware of the field; the Emersons are not extreme in their allegros, at least not very often, and when they play a movement for virtuosic speed, it's almost alwaays to good effect.

I bbught this set because I heard the Emersons play Shostakovich in concert on two occasions, and I was deeply struck by how much better these quartets sound when they are given superlative musicianship. I am not one to believe that Shostakovich was a great master of quartet writing compared to Bartok, Schoenberg, and Janacek among moderns. But he found an idiom, often spare and therefore one-dimenisonal, that is easy to absorb. The Emersons go a step further and give that spare idiom all kinds of shading and colors that often make it sound better than it is.

In sum, I did what many collectors befoe me have done. I gave away the Fitzwilliam set, which was a good stop gap for many years, and relish the Emerson set as a great achievement, especially for a non-Russian ensemble.

A triumph of creativity over censorship.......2006-01-22

It is extremely difficult for a westerner, living in today's modern democracies, to have the full grasp of the extent of censorship and control of the Stalinist regime. During most of his creative life, Shostakovich was under surveillance, and some of his works were publicly censored by the self-intitled followers of the "Socialist Realism". The tension of censorship is reflected in his body of symphonies. The uneveness and limitations of some of his symphonies are a reflection of his limitations under Stalin. His string quartets, however, are mostly free from these limitations. For one, it is extremely difficult to establish what is "socialist realism" in a string quartet. Since Shostakovich was not a follower of serialism, he could afford to translate into the string quartet medium most of his tortured inner self. These quartets are filled with humanism. They are not easy listening in the sense of Hadyn and Mozart. They are rather deep, touching pieces, like the late Beethoven, Schummann, or Bartok. These recordings by the Fitzwilliam Quartet have an immense authority at a reasonable price. Lovers of string quartet cannot afford to be without the entire Shostakovich set, and anynone buying this collection will enjoy a lifetime of rewarding listening.

Average customer rating:

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

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Beethoven: Complete String Quartets

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

Average customer rating:

A superb Haydn benchmark
Perfect Dinner Music
Delightful Background Music
He truly is the father of string quartets!
A matter of taste?

Haydn: Complete String Quartets
Angeles String Quartet
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000501PC
Release Date: 2001-05-22

Tracks:

Str Qt in E flat, Op.0: I. Presto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.0: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.0: III. Adagio
Str Qt in E flat, Op.0: IV. Menuetto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.0: V. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.1 No.1: I. Presto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.1 No.1: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.1 No.1: III. Adagio
Str Qt in B flat, Op.1 No.1: IV. Menuetto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.1 No.1: V. Presto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.1 No.2: I. Allegro
Str Qt in E flat, Op.1 No.2: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.1 No.2: III. Adagio
Str Qt in E flat, Op.1 No.2: IV. Menuetto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.1 No.2: V. Presto
Str Qt in D, Op.1 No.3: I. Adagio
Str Qt in D, Op.1 No.3: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in D, Op.1 No.3: III. Presto
Str Qt in D, Op.1 No.3: IV. Menuetto
Str Qt in D, Op.1 No.3: V. Finale: Presto

Tracks:

Str Qt in G, Op.1 No.4: I. Presto
Str Qt in G, Op.1 No.4: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in G, Op.1 No.4: III. Adagio Ma Non Tanto
Str Qt in G, Op.1 No.4: IV. Menuetto
Str Qt in G, Op.1 No.4: V. Presto
Str Qt in C, Op.1 No.6: I. Presto Assai
Str Qt in C, Op.1 No.6: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in C, Op.1 No.6: III. Adagio
Str Qt in C, Op.1 No.6: IV. Menuetto
Str Qt in C, Op.1 No.6: V. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in A, Op.2 No.1: I. Allegro
Str Qt in A, Op.2 No.1: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in A, Op.2 No.1: III. Adagio
Str Qt in A, Op.2 No.1: IV. Menuetto
Str Qt in A, Op.2 No.1: V. Allegro Molto

Tracks:

Str Qt in E, Op.2 No.2: I. Allegro Molto
Str Qt in E, Op.2 No.2: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in E, Op.2 No.2: III. Adagio
Str Qt in E, Op.2 No.2: IV. Menuetto
Str Qt in E, Op.2 No.2: V. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in F, Op.2 No.4: I. Presto
Str Qt in F, Op.2 No.4: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in F, Op.2 No.4: III. Adagio
Str Qt in F, Op.2 No.4: IV Menuetto: Allegretto
Str Qt in F, Op.2 No.4: V. Allegro
Str Qt in B flat, Op.2 No.6: I. Adagio
Str Qt in B flat, Op.2 No.6: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.2 No.6: III. Presto: Scherzo
Str Qt in B flat, Op.2 No.6: IV. Menuetto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.2 No.6: V. Presto

Tracks:

Str Qt in C, Op.9 No.1: I. Moderato
Str Qt in C, Op.9 No.1: II. Menuetto: Un Poco Allegretto
Str Qt in C, Op.9 No.1: III. Adagio
Str Qt in C, Op.9 No.1: IV. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.9 No.2: I. Moderato
Str Qt in E flat, Op.9 No.2: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.9 No.2: III. Adagio
Str Qt in E flat, Op.9 No.2: IV. Finale: Allegro Molto
Str Qt in G, Op.9 No.3: I. Allegro Moderato
Str Qt in G, Op.9 No.3: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in G, Op.9 No.3: III. Largo
Str Qt in G, Op.9 No.3: IV. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in d, Op.9 No.4: I. Moderato
Str Qt in d, Op.9 No.4: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in d, Op.9 No.4: III. Adagio Cantabile
Str Qt in d, Op.9 No.4: IV. Finale: Presto

Tracks:

Str Qt in B flat, Op.9 No.5: I. Poco Adagio: Theme And Vars
Str Qt in B flat, Op.9 No.5: II. Menuet: Allegretto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.9 No.5: III. Largo Cantabile
Str Qt in B flat, Op.9 No.5: IV. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in A, Op.9 No.6: I. Presto
Str Qt in A, Op.9 No.6: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in A, Op.9 No.6: III. Adagio
Str Qt in A, Op.9 No.6: IV. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in E, Op.17 No.1: I. Moderato
Str Qt in E, Op.17 No.1: II. Menuet
Str Qt in E, Op.17 No.1: III. Adagio
Str Qt in E, Op.17 No.1: IV. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in F, Op.17 No.2: I. Moderato
Str Qt in F, Op.17 No.2: II. Menuet: Poco Allegretto
Str Qt in F, Op.17 No.2: III. Adagio
Str Qt in F, Op.17 No.2: IV. Finale: Allegro Di Molto

Tracks:

Str Qt in E flat, Op.17 No.3: I. Andante Grazioso
Str Qt in E flat, Op.17 No.3: II. Menuet: Allegretto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.17 No.3: III. Adagio
Str Qt in E flat, Op.17 No.3: IV. Allegro Di Molto
Str Qt in c, Op.17 No.4: I. Moderato
Str Qt in c, Op.17 No.4: II. Menuet: Allegretto
Str Qt in c, Op.17 No.4: III. Adagio Cantabile
Str Qt in c, Op.17 No.4: IV. Finale: Allegro
Str Qt in G, Op.17 No.5: I. Moderato
Str Qt in G, Op.17 No.5: II. Menuet: Allegretto
Str Qt in G, Op.17 No.5: III. Adagio
Str Qt in G, Op.17 No.5: IV. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in D, Op.17 No.6: I. Presto
Str Qt in D, Op.17 No.6: II. Menuet
Str Qt in D, Op.17 No.6: III. Largo
Str Qt in D, Op.17 No.6: IV. Finale: Allegro

Tracks:

Str Qt in E flat, Op.20 No.1: I. Allegro Moderato
Str Qt in E flat, Op.20 No.1: II. Menuet: Un Poco Allegretto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.20 No.1: III. Affettuoso E Sostenuto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.20 No.1: IV. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in C, Op.20 No.2: I. Moderato
Str Qt in C, Op.20 No.2: II. Capriccio: Adagio
Str Qt in C, Op.20 No.2: III. Menuet: Allegretto
Str Qt in C, Op.20 No.2: IV. Fuga A Quattro Soggeti: Allegro
Str Qt in g, Op.20 No.3: I. Allegro Con Spirito
Str Qt in g, Op.20 No.3: II. Menuet: Allegretto
Str Qt in g, Op.20 No.3: III. Poco Adagio
Str Qt in g, Op.20 No.3: IV. Allegro Di Molto

Tracks:

Str Qt in D, Op.20 No.4: I. Allegro Di Molto
Str Qt in D, Op.20 No.4: II. Un Poco Adagio E Affettuoso
Str Qt in D, Op.20 No.4: II. Menuet Alla Zingarese
Str Qt in D, Op.20 No.4: IV. Presto E Scherzando
Str Qt in f, Op.20 No.5: I. Moderato
Str Qt in f, Op.20 No.5: II. Menuet
Str Qt in f, Op.20 No.5: III. Adagio
Str Qt in f, Op.20 No.5: IV. Fuga A Due Soggetti
Str Qt in A, Op.20 No.6: I. Allegro Di Molto E Scherzando
Str Qt in A, Op.20 No.6: II. Adagio
Str Qt in A, Op.20 No.6: III. Menuetto
Str Qt in A, Op.20 No.6: IV. Fuga A Tre Soggetti: Allegro

Tracks:

Str Qt in b, Op.33 No.1: I. Allegro Moderato
Str Qt in b, Op.33 No.1: II. Scherzo: Allegro
Str Qt in b, Op.33 No.1: III. Andante
Str Qt in b, Op.33 No.1: IV. Presto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.33 No.2 'The Joke': I. Allegro Moderato, Cantabile
Str Qt in E flat, Op.33 No.2 'The Joke': II. Scherzo: Allegro
Str Qt in E flat, Op.33 No.2 'The Joke': III. Largo Sostenuto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.33 No.2 'The Joke': IV. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in C, Op.33 No.3 'The Bird': I. Allegro Moderato
Str Qt in C, Op.33 No.3 'The Bird': II. Scherzo: Allegretto
Str Qt in C, Op.33 No.3 'The Bird': III. Adagio
Str Qt in C, Op.33 No.3 'The Bird': IV. Rondo: Presto

Tracks:

Str Qt in B flat, Op.33 No.4: I. Allegro Moderato
Str Qt in B flat, Op.33 No.4: II. Scherzo: Allegretto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.33 No.4: III. Largo
Str Qt in B flat, Op.33 No.4: IV. Presto
Str Qt in G, Op.33 No.5: I. Vivace Assai
Str Qt in G, Op.33 No.5: II. Largo E Cantabile
Str Qt in G, Op.33 No.5: III. Scherzo: Allegro
Str Qt in G, Op.33 No.5: IV. Finale: Allegretto
Str Qt in D, Op.33 No.6: I. Vivace Assai
Str Qt in D, Op.33 No.6: II. Andante
Str Qt in D, Op.33 No.6: III. Scherzo: Allegretto
Str Qt in D, Op.33 No.6: IV. Finale: Allegretto
Str Qt in d, Op.42: I. Andante Ed Innocentemente
Str Qt in d, Op.42: II. Menuet
Str Qt in d, Op.42: III. Adagio E Cantabile
Str Qt in d, Op.42: IV. Finale: Presto

Tracks:

Str Qt in B flat, Op.50 No.1: I. Allegro
Str Qt in B flat, Op.50 No.1: II. Adagio Non Lento
Str Qt in B flat, Op.50 No.1: III. Poco Allegretto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.50 No.1: IV. Finale: Vivace
Str Qt in C, Op.50 No.2: I. Vivace
Str Qt in C, Op.50 No.2: II. Adagio Cantabile
Str Qt in C, Op.50 No.2: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
Str Qt in C, Op.50 No.2: IV. Finale: Vivace Assai
Str Qt in E flat, Op.50 No.3: I. Allegro Con Brio
Str Qt in E flat, Op.50 No.3: II. Andante Piu Tosto Allegretto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.50 No.3: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.50 No.3: IV. Finale: Presto

Tracks:

Str Qt in f#, Op.50 No.4: I. Allegro Spirito
Str Qt in f#, Op.50 No.4: II. Andante
Str Qt in f#, Op.50 No.4: III. Menuetto
Str Qt in f#, Op.50 No.4: IV. Fuga: Allegro Moderato
Str Qt in F, Op.50 No.5: I. Allegro Moderato
Str Qt in F, Op.50 No.5: II. Poco Adagio
Str Qt in F, Op.50 No.5: III. Menuetto
Str Qt in F, Op.50 No.5: IV. Finale: Vivace
Str Qt in D, Op.50 No.6 'The Frog': I. Allegro
Str Qt in D, Op.50 No.6 'The Frog': II. Poco Adagio
Str Qt in D, Op.50 No.6 'The Frog': III. Menuetto: Allegretto
Str Qt in D, Op.50 No.6 'The Frog': IV. Finale: Allegro Con Spirito

Tracks:

Str Qt inG, Op.54 No.1: I. Vivace Assai
Str Qt inG, Op.54 No.1: II. Allegretto
Str Qt inG, Op.54 No.1: III. Menuet
Str Qt inG, Op.54 No.1: IV. Vivace
Str Qt in C, Op.54 No.2: I. Vivace
Str Qt in C, Op.54 No.2: II. Adagio -
Str Qt in C, Op.54 No.2: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
Str Qt in C, Op.54 No.2: IV. Adagio
Str Qt in E, Op.54 No.3: I. Allegretto
Str Qt in E, Op.54 No.3: II. Largo
Str Qt in E, Op.54 No.3: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
Str Qt in E, Op.54 No.3: IV. Finale: Presto

Tracks:

Str Qt in A, Op.55 No.1: I. Allegro
Str Qt in A, Op.55 No.1: II. Adagio Cantabile
Str Qt in A, Op.55 No.1: III. Menuet
Str Qt in A, Op.55 No.1: IV. Finale: Vivace
Str Qt in f, Op.55 No.2 'The Razor': I. Andante
Str Qt in f, Op.55 No.2 'The Razor': II. Allegro
Str Qt in f, Op.55 No.2 'The Razor': III. Menuetto: Allegretto
Str Qt in f, Op.55 No.2 'The Razor': IV. Presto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.55 No.3: I. Vivace Assai
Str Qt in B flat, Op.55 No.3: II. Adagio Ma Non Troppo
Str Qt in B flat, Op.55 No.3: III. Menuetto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.55 No.3: IV. Presto

Tracks:

Str Qt in C, Op.64 No.1: I. Allegro Moderato
Str Qt in C, Op.64 No.1: II. Menuet: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Str Qt in C, Op.64 No.1: III. Allegretto Scherzando
Str Qt in C, Op.64 No.1: IV. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in b, Op.64 No.3: I. Allegro Spirito
Str Qt in b, Op.64 No.3: II. Adagio Ma Non Troppo
Str Qt in b, Op.64 No.3: III. Menuet: Allegretto -

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

A massive set--67 string quartets on 21 discs in a budget-priced, shelf-friendly, compact box. So the obvious question is: do you need it? The equally obvious answer is a resounding "yes" if you love these endlessly inventive quartets and if you appreciate superbly played performances that capture both the letter and the spirit of Haydn's genius. The Angeles String Quartet isn't as well known as some ensembles that have recorded complete Haydn sets, but they are superior to all, with the arguable exception of the Tatrai Quartet. They demonstrate technical polish and rich, warm sound that's never cloying. And they give these works the forward-moving impetus they need within a classical framework, eschewing both anachronistic Romanticism and the mechanical astringency of period specialists.

The Angeles Quartet is unique in its mastery of early as well as late works, in tune with Haydn's stylistic development and sensitive to the attractions of each of these remarkable pieces. So they infuse the visionary slow movements of the late quartets with the appropriate depth and at the same time revel in the muscularity of the Opus 76 No.2's catchy Menuetto, the humor of the "Joke" Quartet, Opus 33 No.2, and the power of the Allegro con spirito of Opus 76 No.1. Most impressive is their way with the early quartets--no small matter when you consider that the contents of the first six discs precede the Opus 20 set generally considered as signaling the maturity of the form. The Angeles make even the earliest quartets, five-movement divertimentos for four strings, a habit-forming delight. Their playing here is full of exuberance, wittily playful and rough, peasantlike by turns. The sonics are outstanding, too, well-balanced, warm, and lifelike. An indispensable recording. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

A superb Haydn benchmark.......2007-06-28

It takes a lot of time to grasp Haydn's music, because there's much of everything: symphonies, piano sonatas, operas, piano trios, string quartets, choral works, songs, etc. - in sum, more than one thousand individual works. It will probably take more than a year listening to it all, and comprehend it as well (i.e., not as "background music"). Few, if any person, can have a complete grasp of everything he wrote.

But there are nonetheless good reasons trying to grasp Haydn's music, at least partly. This bargain set - 68 string quartets on 21 CDs - is a perfectly good reason. Haydn's string quartets contain some of his finest music. And the present recordings with Angeles Quartet are simply superb. Unlike many period instrument performers, Angeles Quartet avoids meticulous mannerism and plays this music with energy and passion, without loosing structural control. Furthermore, the recordings are excellent, with a rich, creamy and spacious sound. In short, great performances and excellent engineering. A benchmark recording, no less.

There are some rival complete sets: Aeolian Quartet (Decca), Festetics Quartet (period instrument performances, Arcana), Tátrai (Hungaroton), and Kodaly Quartet (Naxos). In terms of sound, the present set is clearly preferable. In terms of performances, the only serious rival is Tátrai Quartet's classic collection from the sixties. But Angeles Quartet is not a second choice. If you hesitate, you need both. Budget and shelf space minded collectors need not hesitate.

Perfect Dinner Music.......2007-05-14

Some might be offended at the idea that music be played in the background to accompany a fine meal, but in fact most of us listen to music in the background. This entire set of 15-CDs is (to my ears) the perfect music to accompany a delicious meal with someone you love. I have owned this CD set for years and never tire of it.

I have found that after listening to it hundreds of times that using iTunes in shuffle mode keeps it fresh.

Delightful Background Music.......2006-03-04

This music is a great buy, and wonderful to listen to while doing desk work or reading.

The Angeles String Quartet does an excellent job, and all of the works are so tuneful that I frequently found myself walking around the house humming the tunes after hearing a quartet for the first time.

He truly is the father of string quartets!.......2005-09-27

This may not be true as far as the instrumentation is concerned, but Haydn is one of the first to explore them as more than a solo violin with a trio accompaniment (second violin, viola and cello), thus giving the chamber music a new dimension.

If you've already explored Haydn's universe through some of his glorious symphonies, these string quartets are an excellent way of further expanding your appreciation of Haydn's music. There are very few dull moments in this lot (and almost all of them are to be found in his early quartets, while there are a few in his very latest works, where he seems to have lost the energy and brio that had established him as one of the best composers of his time). His first works have five movements and ressemble the divertimenti or serenatas. Later on, his quartets took a form which was to become standard, both for Haydn and other composers: four movements - a fast one, a slow one, a minuet and trio and a fast finale.

If one listens to Haydn's string quartes in chronological order, one can feel and appreciate his growth and maturity as a composer. The motives introduced during the first movement are developed over the entire work entity, the increasing use of first movements that are monothematic, the expansion of harmonic usage, the combination of serious with funny, intellectual with ridicule, etc.

Both Mozart and Beethoven wrote famous series of string quartets, but I've always liked Haydn's quartets the most. My personal favorites are op. 76 (especially no 3, which later on became the German National Anthem), op. 64 (especially no 5 called "The lark") and op. 33 (where Haydn introduced special effects, like a birdcall, which gave the third quartet its name).

A matter of taste?.......2005-05-31

It is something unpleasant about the sound here; it is resonant, yes, but not like the Takacs quartet. Comparing to the Takacs' take on op.76/1, 2 & 3, which I love, the Angeles' makes me think of a grey substance, sterile, antiseptic, of no life. Is it the sound quality? Or is it the way the quartet is playing? I think the latter, but it is difficult to figure out what is wrong; in fact I don't find any serious miscalculations. The problem is that the playing feels calculated; it is some kind of contrived perfection, it all feels too concious; I feel something wrong about the accent, the stress of the phrasings... but I give up: Suffice it to say that I regret I bought this collection of boring performances. Three stars for professional playing. If you like some human touch, go for the Aeolian quartet, less perfection, more life.

Average customer rating:

The "Clinker" of the bunch

Brahms: The Masterworks (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set]
Dvorák: The Masterworks [Box Set]
Vivaldi: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Beethoven: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Complete Works (170 CD Box Set)

ASIN: B00062FLIS
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

The "Clinker" of the bunch.......2006-12-19

Having collected the entire "The Masterworks" series (including the Bach and Mozart Complete Works) this set is the 'clinker' of the bunch. First off... 6 CD's of Lieder 'historic' (pre-historic) recordings. No Overtures, No Orchestral Seranades, No Haydn Variations?? The performances of the Symphonies and the Concertos are shakey and not very well recorded. Brilliant Classics, who has done such a wonderful job with the Hadyn Complete Symphonies (licensed from Nimbus), the Mozart and Bach Complete sets, has stumbled a bit with this release.

Average customer rating:

Brilliant music, excellent performances
Dvorak
A little cold
Music to get your blood flowing!
The finest readings I have heard of these quartets

Dvorák: The String Quartets

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Schubert: The String Quartets
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ASIN: B00002DEH4
Release Date: 2000-10-10

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 1 In A Major, Op. 2 B. 2: Andante - Allegro
String Quartet No. 1 In A Major, Op. 2 B. 2: Adagio affettuoso ed appassionato
String Quartet No. 1 In A Major, Op. 2 B. 2: Allegro schezando - trio
Finale - Allegro animato
In A minor: Quartet Movement: Andante appassionato

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 2 In B Flat Major, B. 17: Allegro ma non troppo
String Quartet No. 2 In B Flat Major, B. 17: Largo
String Quartet No. 2 In B Flat Major, B. 17: Allegro con brio
String Quartet No. 2 In B Flat Major, B. 17: Finale: Andante
2 Waltzes, Op. 54 B. 105: Moderato
2 Waltzes, Op. 54 B. 105: Allegro vivace
String Quartet In F Major, B. 120 (Fragment): Allegro vivace

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 3 In D Major, B. 18: Allegro con brio
String Quartet No. 3 In D Major, B. 18: Andantino
String Quartet No. 3 In D Major, B. 18: Allegro energico - Trio
String Quartet No. 3 In D Major, B. 18: Finale: Allegretto

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 4 In E Minor, B. 19: Velmi pohyblive a razne (Assai con moto ed energico)
String Quartet No. 4 In E Minor, B. 19: Andante religioso - attacca
String Quartet No. 4 In E Minor, B. 19: Allegro con brio
String Quartet No. 5 In F Minor, Op. 9 B. 37: Moderato
String Quartet No. 5 In F Minor, Op. 9 B. 37: Andante con moto quasi allegretto
String Quartet No. 5 In F Minor, Op. 9 B. 37: Tempo di valse
String Quartet No. 5 In F Minor, Op. 9 B. 37: Finale - Allegro molto

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 6 In A Minor, Op. 12 B. 40: Allegro ma non troppo
String Quartet No. 6 In A Minor, Op. 12 B. 40: Poco allegro
String Quartet No. 6 In A Minor, Op. 12 B. 40: Poco adagio
String Quartet No. 6 In A Minor, Op. 12 B. 40: Finale - allegro molto
String Quartet No. 7 In A Minor, OP. 16 B. 45: Allegro ma non troppo
String Quartet No. 7 In A Minor, OP. 16 B. 45: Andante cantabile
String Quartet No. 7 In A Minor, OP. 16 B. 45: Allegro scherzando - Trio
String Quartet No. 7 In A Minor, OP. 16 B. 45: Allegro ma non troppo

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 8 In E Major, Op. 80 B. 57: Allegro
String Quartet No. 8 In E Major, Op. 80 B. 57: Andante con moto
String Quartet No. 8 In E Major, Op. 80 B. 57: Allegro scherzando
String Quartet No. 8 In E Major, Op. 80 B. 57: Finale - Allegro con brio
String Quartet No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 34 B.75: Allegro
String Quartet No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 34 B.75: Alla polka: Allgretto scherzando - Trio: quasi l'istesso temo
String Quartet No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 34 B.75: Adagio
String Quartet No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 34 B.75: Finale - Poco allegro

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 10 In E Flat Major, Op. 51 B. 92: Allegro ma non troppo
String Quartet No. 10 In E Flat Major, Op. 51 B. 92: Dumka (Elegia): Andante con moto - Vivace
String Quartet No. 10 In E Flat Major, Op. 51 B. 92: Romanza: Andante con moto
String Quartet No. 10 In E Flat Major, Op. 51 B. 92: Finale - Allegro assai
String Quartet No. 11 In C Major, Op. 61 B. 121: Allegro
String Quartet No. 11 In C Major, Op. 61 B. 121: Poco adagio e molto cantabile
String Quartet No. 11 In C Major, Op. 61 B. 121: Scherzo: Allegro vivo - Trio: L'istess tempo
String Quartet No. 11 In C Major, Op. 61 B. 121: Finale - Vivace

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 12 In F Major, Op. 96 B. 179: Allegro ma non troppo
String Quartet No. 12 In F Major, Op. 96 B. 179: Lento
String Quartet No. 12 In F Major, Op. 96 B. 179: Molto vivace
String Quartet No. 12 In F Major, Op. 96 B. 179: Finale: Vivace ma non troppo
String Quartet No. 13 In G Major, Op.106 B. 192: Allegro moderato
String Quartet No. 13 In G Major, Op.106 B. 192: Adagio ma non troppo
String Quartet No. 13 In G Major, Op.106 B. 192: Molto vivace
String Quartet No. 13 In G Major, Op.106 B. 192: Finale: Andante sostenuto - Allegro con fuoco

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 14 In A Flat Major, Op. 105 No. 193: Adagio ma non troppo - Allegro appassionato
String Quartet No. 14 In A Flat Major, Op. 105 No. 193: Molto vivance
String Quartet No. 14 In A Flat Major, Op. 105 No. 193: Lento e molto cantabile
String Quartet No. 14 In A Flat Major, Op. 105 No. 193: Allegro non tanto
Cypresses, B. 152: Moderato
Cypresses, B. 152: Allegro ma non troppo
Cypresses, B. 152: Andante con moto
Cypresses, B. 152: Poco Adagio
Cypresses, B. 152: Andante
Cypresses, B. 152: Andante moderato
Cypresses, B. 152: Andante con moto
Cypresses, B. 152: Lento
Cypresses, B. 152: Moderato
Cypresses, B. 152: Andante maestoso
Cypresses, B. 152: Allegro scherzando
Cypresses, B. 152: Allegro animato

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant music, excellent performances.......2006-10-11

I must admit up front that when it comes to classic music, I prefer chamber music (any era or style). If you like chamber music, buy this set. If you are are curious about chamber music and Dvorak's work, buy a budget single CD of any Dvorak string quartets. When you've fallen in love with Dvorak's work --- and you will --- then buy this set.

These are simply some of the finest string quartets ever written. Lyrical and inventive, they will make you understand why Brahms and Dvorak were such good friends and admired each other's work so much. There are other recordings out there of various quartets, particularly the late ones. But the value in having a complete set is that you get to hear the composer's development, and you get to hear infrequently played yet brilliant works. A good example is the Quartet No. 5, which is intense --- as full of bite as, say, "Death and the Maiden," yet as richly melodic as anything Dvorak ever wrote. The recording is clean and warm, the playing precise yet soulful. The set is now selling for about $12 more than I paid for it, but it's still a bargain. You will never regret having bought it.

Dvorak.......2006-05-16

One of the best composers for chamber music together with Joseph Haydyn, I think. Thank you.

A little cold.......2006-01-16

Compaired to the Vlach on Naxos, this exelent recording left me a little cold. Where is all the emotion that these quartet's should have.

Music to get your blood flowing!.......2005-11-24

Wow! Great quartets played with real gusto and dynamism by the Prager String Quartet. The sound is incredibly crisp and clear. The performances are impeccable. You won't be disappointed!

The finest readings I have heard of these quartets.......2005-11-04

I have heard multiple recordings of these quartets, including the Chiligirian quartet, and selections by the Amadeus quartet, Hagen quartet, Melos quartet, Vlach quartet and Cleveland quartet. However, these renditions are (in my opinion) the most adherent to the Czech folk roots. I'm sure it helps that the ensemble is in fact Czech-for that reason they seem to have an edge over some of the other notable groups which have made recordings. Everyone has obviously heard the American quartet, but just as fine are quartets 10,11, 13 and 14 (as well as 7-9). I am less entranced by the early works, but they are not without their merit as well.
Overall, the sound seems a bit better in this re-release than in the previous version available on CD. Not much better, but better. And at this price, it is an absolute steal. Highly recommended for lovers of chamber music, or Dvorak in general.

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

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas
Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet
Beethoven: The String Quartets/ Grosse Fuge
Mozart: Violin Concertos; Wind Concertos
Haydn: Complete Piano Trios

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.

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

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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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.

Average customer rating:

5 stars for what is there.
A very nice partial cycle
A little less of a good thing

Shostakovich: String Quartets 1-13
Dmitry Shostakovich , and Borodin Quartet
Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Borodin: String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2
Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No1, Op107; Violin Concerto No1 (revised), Op99
Béla Bartók: The 6 String Quartets - Takács Quartet
Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk
Shostakovich: String Quartets Nos. 3, 14 & 15

ASIN: B00008WQB4
Release Date: 2003-05-20

Tracks:

I Moderato
II Moderato
III Allegro Molto
IV Allegro
I Allegretto
II Moderato Con Moto
III Allegro Non Troppo
IV Adagio
V Moderato
I Moderato
II Allegro-Adagio-Moderato-Adagio-Moderato-Allegretto

Tracks:

I Allegretto
II Andantino
III Allegretto
IV Allegretto
I Allegretto Non Troppo
II Andante
III Moderato-Allegretto
I Allegretto
II Moderato Con Moto
III Lento
IV Lento- Allegretto

Tracks:

I Allegretto
II Lento
III Allegro-Allegretto
I Largo
II Allegro Molto
III Allegretto
IV Largo
V Largo
I Moderato Con Moto
II Adagio
III Allegretto
IV Adagio
V Allegro Molto
I Introduction. Andantino
II Scherzo Allegretto
III Recitative. Adagio
IV Etude. Allegro
V Humoresque. Allegro
VI Elegy. Adagio
VII Finale. Moderato

Tracks:

I Overture. Moderato Con Moto
II Recitative And Romance. Adagio
III Waltz. Allegro
IV Theme With Variations. Adagio
I Adante
II Allegretto Furioso
III Adagio
IV Allegretto
Adagio-Doppio Movimento-Tempo Primo

Customer Reviews:

5 stars for what is there........2004-03-08

This is an excellent transfer of the recordings I remember from the Seraphim set of the 70's -- and more inclusive, since I believe that set stopped at #11.

As suggested in another post, I augmented this set with the Glinka and Beethoven Quartets recordings of #s 14 & 15 on the Praga label -- equally impressive performances; a fine recording.

It is hard to choose between this earlier set, and the later set, which includes all the quartets, plus the Quintet with Richter (and a really lumbering account of the scherzo; it could almost be a 'lost' fragment by Bruckner). Frankly, at this level of musicianship and personal identification with the composer, it might be a matter of shelf space! The BMG box is pretty hefty,
enclosing perhaps seven separate jewel cases. This chandos set, plus the Praga of the last two quartets, and a recording of the quintet take up the space of @ 4 1/2 jewel cases.

Unfortunately, living in a Manhattan appartment does make one think twice about shelf space. But this is a trivial matter; the performance and recording are what really count. All the more reason to appreciate this current, compact issue of excellent recordings.

A very nice partial cycle.......2003-12-25

Since there seems to be some confusion as to what these recordings are, let's make a few things clear. This is the Borodin's first stereo go-round of the quartets, recorded for Melodiya in the late 60s and early 70s. It is not the same as the well-known EMI box set which was recorded in the 80s and keeps bouncing in and out of circulation. These performances have never been available on CD before.
Of course the last two quartets didn't exist at the time of these recordings, but they were set down by the slightly reconfigured Borodins soon thereafter and it is too bad those documents have been orphaned as they would have made the most logical compliment to this not quite complete set.
As to the performances themselves, they are classic, comparable to the later EMI versions but heard in a warmer acoustic, which has the effect of making the music seem a little less edgy, too.
One hopes that some of the other masterful cycles of this music by groups such as the Beethoven, Tanayev and Shostakovich Quartets will return to the catalog. The Borodins are great, but not the last or only word on the subject.

A little less of a good thing.......2003-10-27

The Borodin Quartet made their first Shostakovich cycle for Melodiya in 1967-71. Soon after the 14th and 15th quartets were written in 1973 and 74, they were recorded, too, but never integrated into any of the incarnations of this set, last seen in the US on Angel's budget Melodiya/Seraphim label. It is a shame they could not have been included here.

The performances are comparable to the 1980s Melodiya traversal now available on EMI, which is to say they are pretty great though perhaps a shade less intense, an impression abetted by the sound, which is warmer and more spacious than in the later set. But, of course, that one gives you all 15 Quartets and the Piano Quintet with Richter.

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

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

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.

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