Beethoven: The Late String Quartets

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
The Guarneri Quartet has forgotten more about the late quartets of Beethoven than most other ensembles will ever know. They understand the profound lyrical impulse behind these works, and they manage the paradoxical feat of imparting a sublime sense of inevitability to the music while achieving spontaneity at the same time. The interpretations serve the music admirably, though the sound is somewhat veiled. Although the set is rather awkwardly laid out--Op. 127 is split between two discs, and the Grosse Fuge appears on a separate disc from Op. 130, to which it was the original finale--the insights are worth the trouble. --Ted Libbey

Tracks:

Maestoso - Allegro
Adagio ma non troppo e molto cantabile
Scherzando vivace
Finale
Adagio ma non troppo e molto espressivo
Allegro molto vivace
Allegro moderato
Andante ma non troppo e molto cantabile - Piso - Andante moderato e lusinghiero - Adagio - Allegretto - Adagio, ma non troppo e semplice - Allegretto
Presto
Adagio quasi un poco andante
Allegro

Tracks:

Assai sostenuto - Allegro
Allegro ma non tanto
Heiliger Dankgesang e.Genesenden an die Gottheit, in der lydischen Tonart.Molto adagio -. Andante - Molto adagio - Andante - Molto adagio.
Alla marcia, assai vivace - Piegro - Presto
Allegro appassionato
Allegretto
Vivace
Lento assai, cantante e tranquillo
Der schwer gefae Entschlu(Grave - Allegro - Grave ma non troppo tratto - Allegro)

Tracks:

Allegro con brio
Allegretto ma non troppo
Allegro assai vivace ma serioso
Larghetto espressivo - Allegretto agitato
Adagio ma non troppo - Allegro
Presto
Andante con moto ma non troppo. Poco scherzando
Alla danza tedesca (Allegro assai)
Cavatina ( Adagio molto espressivo)
Overtura (Allegro) - Meno mosso e moderato - Allegro - Fuga
Finale (Allegro)

Amazon.com

Some Quartets, like the Busch, Italiano, and Talich, have come close to the inner core of these supreme masterpieces. The Takács Quartet now joins those select few. From the opening chords of the Op. 127--firmly stated, perfectly blended, just gruff enough while still sounding beautiful--you know you're in safe hands during this journey into the deepest, most timeless works in the repertory. Slow movements are always a major test here, and if the Takács doesn't surpass some of the above-mentioned groups, they are superior to their present-day peers in conveying Beethoven's deepest thinking while also attending to surface beauties. The Takács surpass the Emersons and Alban Berg Quartet(admirable as those performances are)in their interpretive insights and ensemble sound. But these masterpieces are so rich and dense that admirers need more than one version. The Takács are masters of Beethoven's quick-changing contrasts, making them sound logical, even inevitable. While their playing is full of drive and forward motion, it's never excessively energetic or overly lean. Of course, the Grosse Fugue is included, along with Beethoven's substitute finale Opus 130 and the Opus 95 Quartet, making for three well-filled discs recorded in excellent sound. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Takacs...what amazing musicians.......2007-07-23

Perhaps the best chamnber music group of our time, I was eager to purchase the CD after hearing them perform live a few months ago with the newest member of their group, Geraldine Walther (the best violist the San Francisco Symphony has ever had and lost). Listening to them in person, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. Unfortunately with this piece the energy did not reach me in the same way. It is still an amazing performance, but I need to know my Beethoven better so I can be more selective in my purchases. I am committed to purchasing all future recordings from them, however, and if you have a chance to hear them live, do so!

Sublime Playing.......2007-03-02

I have come to enjoy and appreciate string quartets much more in recent years, and my collection of recordings embraces Mendelssohn, Schubert, Haydn, Shostakovich, Borodin and Britten; but not Beethoven. I had some old LP recordings of the quartets several years ago (long disappeared) and I felt it was time to hear them again. So I was approaching this set of quartets as something new.

I bought these recordings having read several reviews of the Takacs Quartet's recordings of the Beethoven Quartets; indeed they have been so glowing that I could not help but be curious. These are not easy works to understand and I have heard the music a few times and feel that I am just beginning to learn about them. I would have to say that my favorites are the Quartet in F minor, Op. 95 "Quartetto Serioso" the Quartet in B flat, op. 130, the Grosse Fuge, op. 133 and the Quartet in F major, Op. 135. These works had an immediate appeal and the playing of the Takacs is luminous. The Quartet in E flat, Op. 127, Quartet in C sharp minor, Op. 131 and Quartet in A minor, Op. 132 have extended slow movements that are intimate and somber, and can become somewhat tiresome. When I was playing disc one with the Op. 127 and Op. 131 quartets my wife said it was the most boring music she had heard. Well, this is music that requires multiple hearings to understand and I do not plan to get rid of this set.

As has been pointed out by several reviewers, the late Beethoven quartets are not works for light listening. However, even the most challenging of the quartets contains music that I found appealing. For example, the Scherzo and Allegro from the Op. 127 quartet are brilliant and even the C sharp minor quartet with its beginning dark and somber adagio eventually brightens as the music unfolds. I usually listen to CDs with a headset and I found that the sound and balance of these recordings are second to none. The playing of the Takacs is fabulous and I highly recommend this set, even if some of the music may require some patience.

MORE APPRECIATION.......2006-12-01

To be honest, I have never really understood or appreciated Beethoven's Late String
Quartets finding them very difficult to decipher and really not too enjoyable to listen to. (In reality, I honestly feel that they are very "private" compositions of Beethoven that are reflective of the inner turmoil of his life at the time of their composition) Although I don't feel that I really understand them now (nor do I ever expect to), I have enjoyed them more in this recording that is played by the exquisite Takács Quartet than I ever have enjoyed them. To me, the Takács Quartet has some semblance of understanding of these monumental works; they indeed seem to understand them or in the very least they indeed play them most beautifully neither being too gruff or too sentimental. Their sound is simply gorgeous making for a most enjoyable listening experience. Coupled with Decca's exquisite recorded balance and sound, (the recording also includes the Grosse Fugue in this 3 disc set) I now almost like and appreciate the works.

In conclusion, I don't still even pretend to consider Beethoven's Late String Quartets as some of my favorite compositions, however, I indeed do intend to return to this recording often hopefully garnering more of an understanding of these most important compositions by Beethoven.

Takacs Complete Beethoven Quartets (part 3) .......2006-08-28

This is the 3rd part of my full review of the Takacs Beethoven string quartets. Part 1 is for the Opus18 Quartets and Part 2 for the middle quartets.

I am a Busch Quartet Lover (as are the Takacs players themselves) so those quartets loom in the back of my mind as the standard against which other performances are measured. Since the Busch performances were loved against years of listening to many other quartets as well, it is high praise for the Takacs that I consider the Takacs often their equal, and on some occasions (op59 no3) even superiour.

With the late quartets the Takacs come into competition with a well recorded (for 1930s) Busch performance on every quartet (except the full No13). Fortunately, the Takacs took these on at the last, and their style and insight has certainly matured. The "crescendo effect" I complained about in my other reviews is mostly gone here, and they generally seem more in touch with the emotional centre of the music. Furthermore, Duisinberre has for the most part laid off the heavy vibrato he sometimes brought to slow movements on the earlier discs.

The Takacs popularity is in large part to the variety of qualities they bring to the music. Many quartets have strengths in certain areas, such as great fire, sublime sensitivity, immaculate technique, superb dynamics...but very rarely does a quartet come along that is strong in so many of these areas at once, as the Takacs are. In my previous reviews I complained that their only "lack" was that they sometimes seemed distant to the essence of the music in a way my favourite quartet, the Busch, never seems to be.

In this final set of their cycle, they mostly correct this, and their performances for the most part take on the great authority of classics. Still, they are not (most of the time) in the same league as the Busch yet, either in emotional depth or, in particular, their ability to play in unison when called for. The uncanny way the Busch can blend into one sound at certain moments really gives them an extra edge when they need it. At those moments I often found myself slightly dissapointed with the Takacs when, remembering a moment where the Busch pulled out an extraordinary sonority for great effect, the Takacs, though playing with all their heart, still sounded like 4 individual instruments scraping away in not an entirely sure fashion.

Op95 starts off chock full of Takacs strengths: lively phrasing, varied textures, rippling fire, immaculate technique and dynamics. The first movement does not quite have the ripping tragedy that the Busch do, but still is very gripping.

No12 manages to outdo the Busch at times in sheer power and masterful melodic articulation. The long slow movement is very beautifully done and the scherzo amazes with its ferocity. The last movement slightly dissapoints near the end. The Busch make great use of their unified textural sonority to sustain the wild arpeggios, such that the piece ends leaving one exhilarated. The Takacs leave dynamic gaps here and the music sort of lurches to the finish in a dissapointing way.

No13 is only available in a poor Sony recording from 1943 by the Busch, one that omits the Grosse Fugue as well. Poor recording and all, noone has ever come close to understanding the first part of this quartet in the way the Busch do. The natural tempos and phrasing of the lonely 'horn calls' in the first movement makes the development section like falling into a well of amazing emotional depth. The Takacs are altogether more pensive, almost sweet. They try to turn this movement inward, rather self conscious and psychological, and it really pales compared to the Busch.

Great firey 2nd movement from Takacs as expected.

3rd movement gets it typical laid back Schumannian whimsy from the Takacs. O how infinitely better is the natural Busch rendering, with Adolf catching that wild central gypsy melody on the wing such that you won't get it out of your head for days. Takacs are snoozers here.

The Takacs catch up on the slow movement. Perhaps taking the warning that Beethoven called this short piece "my greatest work of chambermusic" they give it great gravitas and concentration, shaping the alternating passages with loving intensity. That sweeps forward into a nearly hysterical, and amazingly played Grosse Fugue, after which the monster quartet is finished off with Beethovens alternate ending. The Takacs really fly through this piece and its brilliant, much more becoming than the Busch laid back tempo.

So, if for quartet No 13 I could have the Busch upto the slow movement, then Takacs the rest of the way including the fugue, I would be in bliss, but life is not so simple!

I'd like to continue but am running out of space. Basically quartets 14 and 15, while not quite in the same league as the Busch for some of the aforesaid reasons, are still very great performances, ones that complement the Busch very well and are occassionally better. For slow movement lovers, the variations from no14, while very fine, misses alot of the profound emotional transformation that the Busch capture in the silences and amazing pure tonal sonorities. The Heilegen Danksang from No15 is just wonderfully done by the Takacs, perhaps even as good as the Busch, which is saying alot. No16 is as good or even better than the Busch. I think the Takacs make even more sense out of it. Rather like the 8th symphony it is full of Beethoven at his most wierdly personal and subtle and overall the Takacs catch the spirit of the melody better than the Busch.

All in all, a mostly triumphant finish for the Takacs. For a complete set with a modern recording the Takacs would certainly be my first choice, though as I have often stated the old Busch recordings (of half the quartets) for the most part still scale this music the highest.

But we are spoilt for choice. We can own all sorts of recordings of this wonderful music, wandering all the interesting and unique ways to the one musical core.

Defective Decca set of Takacs Late Quartets.......2006-05-01

I purchased this set yesterday, and it has the same defect noted by others: Disc 3 is correctly labeled but is an exact copy of the music on Disc 1. Obviously Decca has a quality control problem and seems to lack the integrity to do a recall.

Average customer rating:

Supreme recordings of Beethovens late string quartets

Beethoven: The Late String Quartets

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000942LM
Release Date: 2003-07-01

Tracks:

Maestoso-Allegro
Adagio, Ma Non Troppo E Molto Cantabile-Andante Con Moto-Adagio Molto Espressivo-Tempo I
Scherzo: Vivace
Allegro-Allegro Comodo
Adagio, Ma Non Troppo E Molto Espressivo-Attacca
Allegro Molto Vivace-Attacca
Allegro Moderato-Attacca
Andante, Ma Non Troppo E Molto Cantabile-Piu Mosso-Andante Moderato E Lusinghiero-Adagio-Allegretto-Adagio, Ma Non Troppo E Semplice-Allegretto-Attacca
Presto-Attacca
Adagio Quasi Un Poco Andante-Attacca
Allegro

Tracks:

Assai Sostenuto-Allegro
Allegro Ma Non Tanto
A Convalescent's Holy SOng Of Thanksgiving To The Deity, In The Lydian Mode-Molto Adagio-Feeling New Strength: Andante-Molto Adagio-Andante-Molto Adagio
Alla Marcia, Assai Vivace-Piu Allegro-Attacca
Allegro Appasionato-Presto
Allegretto
Vivace
Lento Assai, Cantante E Tranquillo
The Difficult Decision: Grave Ma Non Troppo Tanto (Must It Be?) Allegro (It Must Be!)-Grave, Ma Non Troppo Tratto-Allegro

Tracks:

Adagio Ma Non Troppo-Allegro
Presto
Andante Con Moto, Ma Non Troppo
Alla Danza Tedesca: Allegro Assai
Cavatina: Adagio Molto Espressivo
Overtura: Allegro-Meno Mosso E Moderato-Allegro-Fuga: (Allegro)-Meno Mosso E Moderato-Allegro Molto E Con Brio-Allegro
Finale: Allegro (Alternative Finale)

Customer Reviews:

Supreme recordings of Beethovens late string quartets.......2006-12-15

The Emerson String Quartet combine a strength of performance at the same time giving the listener subtle shades of color producing one of the supreme recordings of Beethovens late string quartets ever. They've almost done the unattainable, by producing a new approach to this old musical literature, while maintaining integrity. They bring a level of thought to these performances that have rarely been matched. Enthusiastic and sensitive interpretations rolled into one. Their approach to the late quartets is perhaps my favorite interpretation. The Budapest, Busch, Guarneri, Talich and Vegh quartets are also very good, but these provide technical brilliance and are faithful to the score, while being heartwarming and intellectually inspiring. Also, these are definitely not cold readings, but ecstatic one's. I found them refreshing and different, and still deeply moving and of course, thrill with excitement.

The main reason I recommend these recordings is because they're carefully edited performances, so well done in fact, that I never heard a single edit and I'm a headphone listener. They did a lot of takes (versions) so that they (the Emersons & producer Max Wilcox) could cherry pick the best parts within each movement, creating "the magic take" or at least something very close. I also read that they'd like to enjoy hearing these recordings someday, without worrying...could we have done it better? Sure, they could have done the "one take" perfectly (I've seen them live), but perfect doesn't necessarily mean...magical. They utilized the recording studio for all it's worth. Bravo!

These musicians have obviously polished their form to a high level of refinement, and anyone interested in the late string quartets of Beethoven would likely rate this set as a valuable addition to their collection.

Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Great music given it's due.
The Best

Beethoven: The Late Quartets, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000041FL
Release Date: 1997-01-28

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

String Quartet Op. 130 in B flat: 1. Adagio ma non troppo - Allegro - Beethoven
String Quartet Op. 130 in B flat: 2. Presto - Beethoven
String Quartet Op. 130 in B flat: 3. Andante con moto ma non troppo. Poco scherzando - Beethoven
String Quartet Op. 130 in B flat: 4. Alla danza tedesca. Allegro assai - Beethoven
String Quartet Op. 130 in B flat: 5. Cavatina. Adagio molto espressivo - Beethoven
String Quartet Op. 130 in B flat: 6. Finale. Allegro - Beethoven
'Grosse Fuge' Op. 133 in B flat: Overtura. Allegro - Meno mosso e moderato - Allegro - Fuga - Beethoven

Customer Reviews:

Great music given it's due........2005-04-04

In the late quartets Beethoven continued to evolve many of his compositional techniques: he manages to add to the harmonic rules of before and does new things in the way of tonality and form. These quartets have a sound world all of their own, and create a small-scale effect quite different from the massive-sounding works that came before, such as the "Hammerklavier" sonata and the 9th Symphony. It would be fair to say that no other artist has ever mangaged to reach such spiritual heights. The Quartetto Italiano give superbly polished performances which are able to express the refined tones of these works. Compare their well-rehearsed renditions that come close to perfection with the more ruffled recordings of the Vegh Quartet, for example, and one really appreciates the way in which they are able to sustain the superhuman requirements of these pieces. With the Vegh team we hear 4 human beings, with these recordings we hear Beethoven's unique vision.

The Best.......2003-08-09

This may very well be the best recording of the late quartets I've ever heard. The highlight, of course, is the massive Grosse Fuge, which is the most far-sighted piece of music ever written. In it, Beethoven predicted trends of early 20th century music. Stravinsky said that it sounded modern to his ears. This performance is exceptional in that it brings out the revolutionary quality of the music without ever sounding like an exercise in 20th century performance. Instead, the dissonances and syncopation are emphasized in a manner that elicits the most emotional and technically perfect performance imaginable. And of course, the other quartets aren't just fillers. No way. The playing on these masterpieces is just as incredible as it is in the Fuge. The incredible detail and perfection demanded by Beethoven is difficult to meet, but the Quarteto Italiano manage to step up to the challenge and surpass anybody's expectations. This is a recording to grab and hold onto forever. It's just exceptional!

Average customer rating:

Beautiful
Revolutionary Music Played To The Extreme
Excellent recordings
Superb
The way Beethoven would have wanted it

Beethoven: Late Quartets, Vol. 2
Ludwig van Beethoven , and Quartetto Italiano
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000041FM
Release Date: 1996-11-19

Tracks:

String Quartet Op. 131 in C sharp minor: 1. Adagio ma non tropp e molto espressivo - Beethoven
String Quartet Op. 131 in C sharp minor: 2. Allegro molto vivace - Beethoven
String Quartet Op. 131 in C sharp minor: 3. Allegro moderato - Beethoven
String Quartet Op. 131 in C sharp minor: 4. Andante ma non troppo e molto cantabile - Beethoven
String Quartet Op. 131 in C sharp minor: 5. Presto - Beethoven
String Quartet Op. 131 in C sharp minor: 6. Adagio quasi un poco andante - Beethoven
String Quartet Op. 131 in C sharp minor: 7. Allegro - Beethoven

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2005-01-20

A Great performance of these truly beautiful string quartets, I simply love this CD. These two string quartets that Beethoven composed in his latter years are stunning and though every track on this CD is amazing the one track that stuck out to me the most was the third movement of the string quartet in A minor (op.132) the first time I heard this piece of music I was mesmerized.

Revolutionary Music Played To The Extreme.......2003-08-09

The late quartets are undoubtedly the most revolutionary works Beethoven ever penned. Not only do they totally break the structural mold by having more than just four movements, they also introduce new harmonic, melodic, and contrapuntal techniques which Beethoven uses to elicit extremes in emotion, the likes of which music had previously never experienced. Beethoven said of his late quartets that they were not meant for his time but rather another time. Perhaps now is that time. We have come to an age where we can finally begin to understand the emotion and sentiment that this music is infused with, and we can finally appreciate these masterpieces that his contemporaries viewed as nothing more than the last attempts of a deaf man to keep his legacy alive. These quartets are simply spectacular, and the Quarteto Italiano do an incredible job of playing these masterpieces. They play the music immaculately and they bring for the emotional extremes that Beethoven intended. The playing is really just perfect. I guess the one issue with these recordings is that they're from the 1970s, which means that there is a slight balance issue (as with all recordings of the era) in that the treble is slightly more emphasized than the ever important bass. However, this is a minor blemish and is not enough to detract from the overall good sound quality and the exceptional playing. This is a recommended CD, as is its sister CD, which features the incredible Grosse Fuge.

Excellent recordings.......2002-12-06

I agree with the other reviewers. These are exceptional performances and the sound quality is quite good. Just listen to the excerpts and you will hear how beautiful they sound. Beethoven would be proud of these performers.

Superb.......2002-06-18

I first purchased these performances of the late quartets on vinyl back in the early to mid 1970's. I have listened to these wonderful performances many times over the years, and I just don't get tired of them. I have four of five other versions of the Beethoven quartets, and certainly, there are other great recordings of these works, but for clarity, precsion, attack, pesuasive power, sheer beauty of sound, I just keep coming back to the QI. At a cost of two CD's for the price of one, this is a terrific deal on arguably the best version of these quartets ever recorded. I can't think of any reason not to purchase this -- except that you can buy a boxed set of all the quartets for about [price].

The way Beethoven would have wanted it.......2002-03-08

One of the truly amazing recordings of one of Beethoven's greatest works. The quartet plays with simplicity, eloquence and with a lyrical tone that few can hope to match. Each of the movements is carefully crafted, and the playing is a window into the composer's soul, as also the wonderful interplay between the members of the quartets. I especially love the adagio, where each theme is a shining gem; these players imbue it with a brilliance that makes me breathless for more.

Average customer rating:

Fascinating, A Zillion Stars!!!!
A worthy set
Goodness, These Are Nice!

Beethoven: The Late String Quartets

Manufacturer: Vanguard Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beethoven: The String Quartets

ASIN: B000G8NVZ2
Release Date: 2006-08-22

Customer Reviews:

Fascinating, A Zillion Stars!!!!.......2007-07-03

This is the Best Deal on this whole website!!! 3 CD's of the finest music ever composed (well, in addition to Bach, Miles Davis, and a couple of others...) for 12 bucks. You can't live without this!!! The interpretations and performances are exceptional. The Quartet can even bring meaning to the Allegros! Most groups sound like they are thinking about what to eat for Dinner while playing the Allegro. There's a floating, "organ" type sound that this Quartet performs in some of the slower movements that's un--believable.

Buy this and listen to the Grosse Fugue (sp?) on the 2d CD first. I was told that many of the players from this Quartet performed in a Quartet that specialized in New Music performance and so they know how to bring out the abstract qualities in that piece. Somebody needs to publish everything Broadus Earle (sp?), the 1st violinist, ever played. The one thing that might be missing is the extreme Joy that only Europeans seem to bring to Beethoven. But The Yale Quartet does replace it with something else...

A worthy set.......2007-03-05

Back in the 1970's I was in my favorite record store, perusing the bins when I spotted the Vanguard LP of Opus 132 performed by the Yale Quartet. On a lark I decided to buy it, even though I knew nothing about this ensemble. Now, some 30 years later, I continue listening to this performance. I later bought the Yale Quartet's LP set of all the late quartets, and now the CD set.

I can't tell you if this is the best set of the late quartets. There are many I have not heard. But I always get goosebumps when I listen to these performances. Kudos to Vanguard for continuing to reissue the Yale Quartet's Beethoven recordings and keeping them in the catalogs. This is a worthy set, in my opinion, and at a budget price to boot.

Goodness, These Are Nice!.......2007-02-26

This is my introduction to these renown and oft-recorded pieces. One can certainly feel the Romanticism in Beethoven's writing and also hear how portions of these late quartets might have possibly evolved into another great Beethoven symphony. The playing is superb and the recording, remastered late-'60s/early-'70s analog, is very fine and immediate, though perhaps a tad bass-shy. I'd describe the playing as passionate, precise, and committed; and the soundscape as warm and intimate. Thumbs up!

Average customer rating:

Not the quality recording it should be
Free advice, etc.

Beethoven: The Late String Quartets

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000AQACR0
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

I. Maestoso - Allegro
II. Adagio Ma Non Troppo E Molto Cantabile
III. Scherzando Vivace
IV. Finale
I. Adagio Ma Non Troppo - Allegro
II. Presto
III. Andante Con Moto, Ma Non Troppo
IV. Alla Danza Tedesca (Allegro Assai)
V. Cavatina (Adagio Molto Espressivo)
VI. Finale (Allegro)

Tracks:

Grosse Fuge In B Flat Op.133
I. Adagio Ma Non Troppo E Molto Espressivo
II. Allegro Molto Vivace
III. Allegro Moderato
IV. Andante Ma Non Troppo E Molto Cantabile
V. Presto
VI. Adagio Quasi Un Poco Andante
VII. Allegro

Tracks:

I. Assai Sostenuto - Allegro
II. Allegro Ma Non Tanto
III. Molto Adagio
IV. Alla Marcia, Assai Vivace
I. Allgretto
I. Allegretto
II. Vivace
III. Lento Assai E Cantante Tranquillo
IV. Grave, Ma Non Troppo Tratto - Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Not the quality recording it should be.......2007-06-12

This is certainly not the quality of recording that I have come to expect from the Alban Berg Quartet. Even though this is a "Remastered" recording, the sound is distant, dull, and muddled. I have the Emerson and the Takacs doing these, both of which I prefer over this issue. I am sorry that I can not recommend these CD's, even though I truly love the ABQ.

Free advice, etc........2005-09-26

Since no one's reviewed this, I'll wade in, ignorance notwithstanding.

Just bought this set last night so I don't know what to think yet. Picked it over the competing Emerson S.Q. set because a guide I consulted (I was in Borders) suggested that while Emerson's playing may be more correct, the ABQ's live performance is more spirited. This is evidently one of the major recordings of the late quartets, so worth a listen regardless of whether it's the "best."

My initial impression of the C sharp minor quartet is that the Quartetto Italiano's version has more pathos to it ... isn't that helpful?

More when I've had a chance to assimilate. (Came here to see what smarter folk had written.)

Average customer rating:

Beethoven in Hollywood
Beethoven in Hollywood

Beethoven: The Late String Quartets

Manufacturer: Testament UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Schoenberg: Verklärte Nacht; Schubert: Quintet
The Hollywood String Quartet
Hollywood String Quartet: The Unpublished Live London Recordings
The Hollywood String Quartet Plays Kodály, Smetana & Dvorák

ASIN: B000003XKO
Release Date: 2007-03-20

Tracks:

I. Maestoso-Allegro
II. Adagio Ma Non Toppo E Molto Cantabile
III. Scherzando Vivace
IV. Finale
I. Adagio Ma Non Troppo E Molto Espressivo
II. Allegro Molto Vivace
III. Allegro Moderato-Adagio-Piu Vivace
IV. Andante Ma Non Troppo E Molto Cantabile
V. Presto
VI. Adagio Quasi Un Poco Andante
VII. Allegro

Tracks:

I. Adagio, Ma Non Troppo-Allegro
II. Presto
III. Andante Con Moto, Ma Non Troppo
IV. Alla Danza Tedesca (Allegro Assai)
V. Cavatina (Adagio Molto Espressivo)
VI. Finale (Allegro)
Ov (Allegro)-Meno Mosso E Moderato-Allegro-Fuga-
Meno Mosso E Moderato-
Allegro Molto E Con Brio-
Meno Mooso E Moderato-
Allegro Molto E Con Brio-Allegro-Meno Mosso E Moderato-
Allegro Molto E Con Brio

Tracks:

I. Assai Sostenuto-Allegro
II. Allegro Ma Non Tanto
III. Molto Adagio
IV. Alla Marcia, Assai Vivace-Piu Allegro
V. Allegro Appassionato
I. Allegretto
II. Vivace
III. Lento Assai, Cantante E Traquillo
IV. Grave, Ma Non Troppo Tratto-Allegro

Amazon.com

The Hollywood's 1957 studio recordings of the late Beethovens became something of a cult item, understandably so, since this accomplished foursome is technically faultless, deeply probing, and rhythmically alert. Slow movements are broad; fast ones move with lithe grace. They're in the modern vein, not far removed in spirit from the later Julliard Quartet interpretations, but with richer tonal quality. The "Grosse Fugue," the original last movement of the Opus 130 Quartet, is exciting in its forward thrust and precise articulation. But high spots abound in this three-disc set: a deeply moving Cavatina of Opus 130, a dramatic Opus 127, and the final chorale section of the Opus 132 slow movement, among much else. The Hollywood's interpretations have a fresh, newly-minted air of discovery about them, making this set highly attractive. Sound is good, detailed mono. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Beethoven in Hollywood.......2000-06-14

Ludwig van Beethoven's late string quartets have been aptly described as "works of philosophy written in the language of music". Containing some of the composer's most complex and profoundly mystical music , these works have long represented the "Holy Grail" relentlessly sought by chamber music ensembles . Even if one has to acknowlege the fact that no single interpretation of a work of music ( or any art , for that matter ) could be claimed to be definitive , these recordings by Hollywood String Quartet seem closer to this description then most . Composed of 4 brilliant Hollywood film studio musicians , this group was one of the most highly esteemed quartets of the 1950s . The power and tonal beauty of their playing is , put simply , stunning . But infinately more important is the magic spell the foursome casts on a listener , radiating warmth , repose and wisdom in slow movements and unleashing all the Beethovenian storms in faster ones. This is chamber music-making of the highest order - full of insight and personality and far removed from the soulless mechanical precision of some modern groups . Perhaps some of the tempi and the "golden" quality of the quartet's sound might be considered extreme by purists , but it's worth remembering that Beethoven's own playing was described by his students as free , marked by metrical freedom and extreme rubato . Just listen to the Heiliger Dankgesang or Grosse Fuge and , I swear on my CD player , you will surrender unconditionally . This , along with Guarneri Quartet on RCA , Busch Quartet on EMI , and , of course , Budapest Quartet on Bridge is an indispensible classic . The recording is mono , but the sound is rich and well-detailed , albeit with some background hiss .

Beethoven in Hollywood.......2000-06-14

Beethoven: Late Quartets, etc / Busch Quartet

Average customer rating:

Magnificent Beethoven ...... In Botched CD Transfers
A real find
Some of the greatest performances ever
One of the Greatest

Beethoven: Late Quartets, etc / Busch Quartet
The Busch Quartet
Manufacturer: Pearl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas (Box Set)
A Sonata Recital by Joseph Szigeti & Béla Bartók
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Mozart: Don Giovanni
Preston Sturges - The Filmmaker Collection (Sullivan's Travels/The Lady Eve/The Palm Beach Story/Hail the Conquering Hero/The Great McGinty/Christmas in July/The Great Moment)

ASIN: B00000IMEP
Release Date: 1999-04-13

Tracks:

No.11 In F Minor, Op.95: Allegro con brio
No.11 In F Minor, Op.95: Allegretto ma non troppo
No.11 In F Minor, Op.95: Allegro assai vivace, ma serioso
No.11 In F Minor, Op.95: Larghetto - Allegretto agitato - Allegro
No.12 In E Flat, Op.127: Maestoso - allegro
No.12 In E Flat, Op.127: Adagio ma non troppo, molto cantabile
No.12 In E Flat, Op.127: Scherzando vivace
No.12 In E Flat, Op.127: Finale
Grosse Fuge Op.133

Tracks:

No. 13 in Bb, Op. 130: Allegro
No. 13 in Bb, Op. 130: Presto
No. 13 in Bb, Op. 130: Andante con moto
No. 13 in Bb, Op. 130: Alla danza Tedesco
No. 13 in Bb, Op. 130: Cavatina
No. 13 in Bb, Op. 130: Finale
No. 14 In C# Minor, Op. 131: Adagio ma na troppo molto espressivo
No. 14 In C# Minor, Op. 131: Allegro molto vivace
No. 14 In C# Minor, Op. 131: Allegro moderato - Andante ma non troppo e molto cantabile - Andante moderato a lusinghier - Adagio - Adagio ma non troppo e simplice - Allegretto
No. 14 In C# Minor, Op. 131: Presto
No. 14 In C# Minor, Op. 131: Adagio Quasi un poco andante
No. 14 In C# Minor, Op. 131: Allegro

Tracks:

No. 15 In A Minor, Op. 132: Assai sostenuto- Allegro
No. 15 In A Minor, Op. 132: Allegro ma non tanto
No. 15 In A Minor, Op. 132: Molto Adagio
No. 15 In A Minor, Op. 132: Alla marcia, assai vivace
No. 15 In A Minor, Op. 132: Allegro appassionato
No. 16 In F, Op. 135: Allegretto
No. 16 In F, Op. 135: Vivace
No. 16 In F, Op. 135: Lento assai e cantante tranquillo
No. 16 In F, Op. 135: Grave, ma non troppo tanto- Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Magnificent Beethoven ...... In Botched CD Transfers.......2004-06-08

I am awarding 5 Stars here strictly for the magnificent performances by the Busch Quartet. Their late Beethoven Quartets are superbly played and profoundly communicative. To my ears, their only rivals are the later recordings by the Budapest Quartet and the Hollywood Quartet. These Busch readings are an indispensable component in any serious chamber music collection.

BUT ..... Pearl has ruined these fine 1930's recordings with absurd amounts of added reverb. Listening to these on my car's CD player was no problem - ambient noise in that environment is unavoidable. However, listening at home in my living room, or worse, when listening with headphones, the ruinous effects of Pearl's botched transfers are painfully apparent. Horribly echoey, un-natural sound - even worse than the old "rechanneled for stereo" LPs of yesteryear. What a shame! I have found many of Pearl's other transfers of historic material to be excellent -it's rather inexplicable what came over them here.

Quartets 11,12 and 14-16 can be found in EXCELLENT transfers on EMI 65308, a 4-disc CD set that also throws in Quartets 1 & 9, plus the wonderful 3rd Violin Sonata (with Serkin), the Schubert 8th Quartet (terrific!), and Mendelssohn's Capriccio.

Quartet #13 is coupled with the Busch account of #7 on Sony CD 47687. The transfers are superb.

Currently, the Grosse Fugue - which is not with the Busch Quartet, but with Adolph Busch conducting a student chamber orchestra - is not available elsewhere. The reverb here was truly awful. But even though I am a great Busch admirer, I think this music sounds best in the original quartet version (both the Budapest and Hollywood versions were outstanding). Of the orchestral arrangements, the finest I have heard was by Hermann Scherchen and the English Baroque Orchestra on an ancient Westminster LP that deserves a good CD transfer.

Bottom line: avoid this Pearl issue's mangled sound, and seek out superior alternatives from EMI and Sony.

A real find.......2002-02-01

While today's string quartets may play in a way which is more polished and clean, there is simply no quartet anywhere that can come close to the beauty, passion, and nobility that the Busch Quartet achieved.
They recorded mosty in the 1930's so the sound is somewhat poor and the style of play is dated but if you care at all about the quartets of Beethoven then you will want to hear them played by the Busch Quartet.
I thought I had all their available recordings but was very glad to find this one to add to my collection.

Some of the greatest performances ever.......2001-11-01

I've heard many recordings of the Beethoven late quartets through the years and although many other ensembles may have the advantage of digital sound no quartet can match the Busch in terms of musical insight and spirituality. Their interpretations are extremely well-thought, polished and profound. Don't let the surface noise of the transfers deter you...there is real music making of the highest caliber here.

One of the Greatest.......2001-01-23

It's a great shame that the Busch Quartet wasn't able to record the complete Beethoven String Quartets. These are fabulous performances -- graceful and exciting.

The Busch Quartet was one of the premier string quartets of their day (roughly contemporaneous with the Budapest String Quartet). These transfers from 78s for Pearl are very good. The performances come through clearly with body and without the extranous electronic distortions...caused by poor use of digital noise reduction technologies.

Tracks:

Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 127: Maestoso - Allegro
Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 127: Adagio, ma non troppo e molto cantabile - Andante con moto - Adagio molto espessivo - Tempo I
Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 127: Scherzando. Vivace
Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 127: Allegro - Allegro comodo
Quartet In C Sharp Minor Op. 131: Adagio, ma non troppo e molto espressivo - attacca:
Quartet In C Sharp Minor Op. 131: Allegro molto vivace - attacca:
Quartet In C Sharp Minor Op. 131: Allegro moderato - attacca:
Quartet In C Sharp Minor Op. 131: Andante, ma non troppo e molto cantabile - Piu mosso - Andante moderato e lusinghiero - Adagio - Allegretto - Adagio, ma non troppo e semplice - Allegretto - attacca:
Quartet In C Sharp Minor Op. 131: Presto - Molto poco adagio - attacca:
Quartet In C Sharp Minor Op. 131: Adagio quasi un poco andante - attacca:
Quartet In C Sharp Minor Op. 131: Allegro

Tracks:

Quartet In B Flat Major Op. 130: Adagio ma non troppo - Allegro
Quartet In B Flat Major Op. 130: Presto
Quartet In B Flat Major Op. 130: Andante con moto, ma non troppo
Quartet In B Flat Major Op. 130: Alla danza tedesca. Allegro assai
Quartet In B Flat Major Op. 130: Cavatina. Adagio molto espressivo
Quartet In B Flat Major Op. 130: Grand Fuge (Op. 133) - Overtura. Allegro - Meno mosso e moderato - Allegro - Fuga. (Allegro) - Meno mosso e moderato - Allegro molto e con brio - Allegro
Quartet In B Flat Major Op. 130: Finale: Allegro

Tracks:

Quartet In A Minor Op. 132: Assai sostenuto - Allegro
Quartet In A Minor Op. 132: Allegro ma non tanto
Quartet In A Minor Op. 132: A Convalescent's Holy Song Of Thanksgiving To The Deity, In The Lydian Mode - Molto adagio (Feeling New Strength) - Andante - Molto adagio - Andante - Molto adagio. Mit innigster Empfindung
Quartet In A Minor Op. 132: Alla marcia, assai vivace - Piu allegro - attacca:
Quartet In A Minor Op. 132: Allegro appassionato - Presto
Quartet In F Major Op. 135: Allegretto
Quartet In F Major Op. 135: Vivace
Quartet In F Major Op. 135: Lento assai, cantante e tranquillo
Quartet In F Major Op. 135: Der schwer gefasste Entschluss (The Difficult Decision) - Grave, ma non troppo tanto (Must It Be?) - Allegro (It Must Be!) - Grave, ma non troppo tratto - Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Beethoven... Metafísico.......2000-03-23

El último periodo de la vida del gran maestro, su música como que está compuesta con una profundidad más allá de lo terrenal, es música no para los oídos sino para el alma trascendente. Esto sobre todo en los últimos cuartetos. Las interpretaciones de LaSalle, son de un nivel artístico, extraordinario (por algo los de la DGG incluyeron este set en la EDICION BEETHOVEN), el cuarteto Op. 130 viene de la forma que actualmente se está interpretando con la Gran fuga como parte integrante del cuarteto (La forma original). Es interesante oír el último movimiento de éste cuarteto, las últimas notas de nuestro querido Ludwig. Cómo es tan optimista y vencedor hasta el momento final de su vida terrenal, Qué lección para la humanidad!

Tracks:

Qt No.12 in E flat, Op.127: I. Maestoso-Allegro
Qt No.12 in E flat, Op.127: II. Adagio, Ma Non Troppo E Molto Cantabile-Andante Con Moto...
Qt No.12 in E flat, Op.127: III. Scherzando Vivace
Qt No.12 in E flat, Op.127: IV. Finale

Tracks:

Qt No.13 in B flat, Op.130: I. Adagio Ma Non Troppo-Allegro
Qt No.13 in B flat, Op.130: II. Presto
Qt No.13 in B flat, Op.130: III. Andante Con Moto Ma Non Troppo-Poco Scherzoso
Qt No.13 in B flat, Op.130: IV. Alla Danza Tedesca-Allegro Assai
Qt No.13 in B flat, Op.130: V. Cavatina: Adagi Molto Espressivo
Grosse Fuge in B flat, Op.133
Alternative Finale To Str Qt, Op.130

Tracks:

Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: I. Adagio Ma Non Troppo E Molto Espressivo
Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: II. Allegro Molto Vivace
Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: III. Allegro Moderato
Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: IV. Andante Ma Non Troppo E Molto Cantabile-Piu Mosso-Andante...
Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: V. Presto
Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: VI. Adagio Quasi Un Poco Andante
Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: VII. Allegro

Tracks:

Qt No.15 in a, Op.132: I. Assai Sostenuto-Allegro
Qt No.15 in a, Op.132: II. Allegro Ma Non Tanto
Qt No.15 in a, Op.132: III. Molto Adagio: Conzone Di Ringraziamento Offerta Alla Divinita...
Qt No.15 in a, Op.132: IV. Alla Marcia, Assai Vivace-Piu Allegro-Presto
Qt No.15 in a, Op.132: V. Allegro Appassionato
Qt No.16 in F, Op.135: I. Allegretto
Qt No.16 in F, Op.135: II. Vivace
Qt No.16 in F, Op.135: III. Lento Assai, Cantante E Tranquillo
Qt No.16 in F, Op.135: IV. Grave Ma Non Troppo-Allegro (Der Schwer Gefasste Entschluss)

Customer Reviews:

A colossal set!.......2005-05-24

Keeping in mind these performances may be placed in a triumphant third place after The Budapest Quartet (in their forties) and Vegh (both performances from the fifties and early seventies) that is by itself an extraordinary ackonwledgement for that ensamble.
The articulated voices and the rhythmic pulsations is first order, the Beethovenian harsh dissonances are expressed with absolute conviction and artistic commitment.
Highly recommended.

Extraordinary recordings of the most beautiful music.......2001-10-25

I rate Beetoven's late quartets as the most beautiful music ever written. Especially, I'm fond of op 131. Lindsays and Vegh like none else capture the moment in this music bringing the true soul of Beethoven to us. Like one other reviewer said : I am more happy person because I know Beethoven's late quartets and Lindsays. I trully agree with that.

Soul searching music playing from Lindsay Quartet.......2001-06-03

Most beautiful music making from the Lindsays. They get much closer to the heart & soul of Beethoven than Alban Berg Quartett. The playing is spacious & warmly recorded.

Incredible Performances.......2000-04-02

I have several versions of the Beethoven Late Quartets including the Alban Berg and Guarneri sets. The Lindsays are the ones I keep playing however. Their interpretations bring extra depth to these profound works. These works require repeated listenings so that one can begin to hear and grasp the sublime wonders that lie within. The Lindsays help illuminate the road to discovery, as they seem to understand all the nuances. The natural tempos, the conversations amongst the players and the musicality that is inherent in each phrase make for a rewarding experience. Highly recommended!

The best introduction to the greatest music ever written.......1999-05-03

The Lindsays bring you into the special world of late Beethoven like no other ensemble. I'd agree with the previous reviewer that they aren't technically perfect. But listen to the striving sonorities of the Grosse Fuge, of the throbbing emotions of the Cavatina in Op. 130, or the joyful finale of Op.135, and see if you complain. The Lindsays introduced me to late Beethoven many years ago, and I'm still waiting to hear any greater expression of the human spirit.

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