Schnittke: Complete String Quartets

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
These quartets (and who else but the Kronos Quartet should record them) represent Schnittke at his polystylistic best. The Kronos Quartet captures the essence of Schnittke's multi-hued textures, but these are not friendly works. In fact, they are quite foreboding--but then so are the quartets of Shostakovich and Bartók. This is a two-disc set that also includes the brief "Canon in Memory of I. Stravinsky" and Collected Songs. Schnittke's best music contains its own instruction manual. Listen long enough and you'll get it. --Paul Cook

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 1: I. Sonata - A. SCHNITTKE
String Quartet No. 1: II. Canon - A. SCHNITTKE
String Quartet No. 1: III. Cadenza - A. SCHNITTKE
Canon In Memory Of I. Stravinsky - A. SCHNITTKE
String Quartet No. 2: I. Moderato - A. SCHNITTKE
String Quartet No. 2: II. Agitato - A. SCHNITTKE
String Quartet No. 2: III. Mesto - A. SCHNITTKE
String Quartet No. 2: IV. Moderato - A. SCHNITTKE
String Quartet No. 3: I. Andante - A. SCHNITTKE
String Quartet No. 3: II. Agitato - A. SCHNITTKE
String Quartet No. 3: III. Pesante - A. SCHNITTKE

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 4: I. Lento - Alfred Schnittke
String Quartet No. 4: II. Allegro - Alfred Schnittke
String Quartet No. 4: III. Lento - Alfred Schnittke
String Quartet No. 4: IV. Vivace - Alfred Schnittke
String Quartet No. 4: V. Lento - Alfred Schnittke
Collected Songs Where Every Verse is Filled With Grief - Alfred Schnittke

Amazon.com essential recording

These quartets (and who else but the Kronos Quartet should record them) represent Schnittke at his polystylistic best. The Kronos Quartet captures the essence of Schnittke's multi-hued textures, but these are not friendly works. In fact, they are quite foreboding--but then so are the quartets of Shostakovich and Bartók. This is a two-disc set that also includes the brief "Canon in Memory of I. Stravinsky" and Collected Songs. Schnittke's best music contains its own instruction manual. Listen long enough and you'll get it. --Paul Cook

Customer Reviews:

Technicals and musical form.......2006-01-11

Both aspects of music are necessary to make a satsifiing performance. The Kronos achieves excellence in both levels. I disagree with the reviewer who says "mechanical excercise" in performance.
I own the Shostakovich sq's with the Borodin/Melodyia/1970's recording, and can compare this performance to that legendary group/recording.IOW the essence of the music comes forth from the instruments, the music is alive. "leaves the instruments"
I was told by a friend from a classical music chat forum, Good music guide, that this Kronos was not his recommended choice.
But my research indicated otherwise. So I "took the chance" and ordered it. To my surprise this recording more than met my hopes for a fine recording.
As a reviewer mentioned, if you are familiar with Bartok and Shostakovich's sq's, the Schnittke will be a welcomed addition to your chamber listenings.
The russians have fully acknowledged Schnittke as Shostakovich's true heir. Something that syruck me at first hearing hiw syms 3/Rozhdestvensy, 4/Rozhdestvensky, and especially Schnittke's incredible Concerto grosso4/Sym5 (goes by that name , as it botha sym and a concerto grosso). On the BIS label.
Schnittke, one of the last genius in composition, beginning with Bach. Music of a sacred nature, food for the soul of modern man.

EDIT:
Now after a few months of knowing this set, I'm convinced of the deep devotion of the Kronos in the Schnittke.
Deeply committed performance in these chamber works of high genius.
As much as I love the Bartok and Shostakovich sq's, I' might have to say the Schnittke offer even more.
Highly recommended to all Schnittke fans.

A wonderful set.......2002-03-06

I adore this recording. The Kronos do an excellent job of playing the heart out of these anguished and soulful pieces. (I heard them perform all 4 quartets in one concert recital, back in 1994 or so.) Schnittke wrote amazingly for strings, especially violins. In fact, I can't think of another late twentieth century composer who wrote so intensely and idiomatically for string instruments. This is like music for live wires. I was interested to read Steve Reich's liner notes for his recent recording of Triple Quartet, where he cites the Agitato movment of the Second Quartet as an inspiration. I love that movement also, there is nothing like it. I would not be without the performance of the Second Quartet that was recorded by the Beethoven Quartet back in the early 80s, available on Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab at one time, but the Kronos are no mere make-do. A tremendous musical event is on offer here. All we need now is a Kronos recordng of Schnittke's wonderful Piano Quintet! (Perhaps with Aji Takahashi on piano?)

masterful anguish and dread.......2001-09-10

This is a powerful, harrowing cycle of string quartets, beautifully played by the Kronos Quartet, and recorded for Nonesuch. The First, from 1966, defiantly uses serialism, and this contributed to Schnittke's subsequent dissident status with the regime. He was forced to make his living doing film scores, which for some reason was allowed. The Second Quartet, from 1980, shows a remarkable continuity with the First, despite the long interval. It is the Third Quartet (and we have here the recording previously issued on WINTER WAS HARD in 1987) from 1983 that marks Schnittke's turn to "polystylism," with references to Beethoven, Wagner and Shostakovich. Less harsh, this piece captures as well as any Schnittke's basic affinity with Mahler and Shostakovich, as opposed to the more radical innovations in 20th century music. The 35-minute Fourth Quartet is masterful, full of the anguish and dread so characteristic of Schnittke.

This is a splendid set that stands alongside the finest interpretations of Bartok, Shostakovich, Kurtag, Ligeti, and Carter. I consider Schnittke to be one of the best composers of the late 20th century -- see my ALFRED SCHNITTKE'S TRAGICOMIC SOUNDWORLD for more recordings and reviews.

a masterpiece........2000-06-29

i know nothing of Schnittke's music. i only know what moves me. these quartets move me. the Kronos Quartet are masters of interpreting 20th century music. and they do a magnificent job here, bringing Schnittke's notes off paper and into the air. It can be intense and then in a milli-second turn clam. the composition is amazing. Schnittke uses dissonance to paint a portrait so vivid one can almost see the music floating through the air. a must for lovers of 20th century music and a must for those wanting to expand their ear.

Kronos doesn't understand Schnittke!.......1999-11-04

Listening to the Kronos quartet playing Schnittke's Fourth Quartet is purely an intellectual exercice. In their seriousness they don't seem to capture the emotional spirit of the late composer. Compare it to the intelligent, emotional rendition of the Fourth Quartet by the Alban Berg Quartet (dedicatee of the work) and you will measure the ocean between them... Kronos should smile for a change! On another note, the CD's booklet is interesting and fun too!
Again listen to the alternative: Alban Berg Quartet for the Fourth and Borodine for the Third... The discovery is worth spending a bit more time and effort!

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