Piano Quartets

Editorial Reviews
Album Details
The 'pro Arte Quartet' of the George Enescu Bucharest Philharmonic Orchestra was Founded in 1976 by Musicians Devoting Themselves to the Masterpiecespre-classical, Classical, Romantic and Contemporay Music. The Four Members Are Soloists of the Rumanian George Enescu Bucharest Philharmonicorchestra, which was Founded in 1868 and Since 1955 Has Carried the Name of the Great Rumanian Composer and Conductor.

Tracks:

Allegro
Romanze: Poco Adagio
Allegro Molto Moderato E Comodo-Un Poco Piu Animato
Allegro
Allegro Non Troppo
Andante Moderato
Quasi Minuetto, Moderato-Allegretto Vivace
Finale: Allegro Non Assai

Tracks:

Vivace
Andante
Agitato (Allegretto Non Troppo)-Trio
Poco Allegretto Con Variazioni-Doppio Movimento
Allegro Non Troppo
Andante, Un Poco Adagio
Scherzo: Allegro-Trio
Finale: Poco Sostenuto-Allegro Non Troppo-Presto, Non Troppo

Amazon.com

This handsome set of Brahms's chamber music features the stunning Emerson Quartet, and in the Piano Quintet, the pianist Leon Fleischer, happily recovered from a very lengthy crippling illness. The Quintet is singingly, lyrically played, with Brahms's long melodies the focal point. It's a beautiful performance, with the Emerson seemingly listening to and following Fleischer. The Quartets are performed with lush tone, with the Op. 51, no. 2, sounding particularly intense, with each dynamic change pointedly underlined. Op. 51's second movement (Romanze) makes the listener wish Brahms had set a text to the music -- it is played with exquisite lyricism. The B-flat major Quartet is vibrant, with the final movement's variations, colored by the viola, so clearly played that one can hear the echoes of the Quartet's first movement. A fine pair of CDs. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

A very fine digital recording of the quartets.......2007-06-25

Leon Fleisher and the Emerson Quartet had a chance to make a fabulous digital recording of the Brahms F minor Piano Quintet--but they blew it. Instead we get an okay performance that features an overly thoughtful interpretation and frustratingly slow tempos in some spots. This is not an autumnal work, and the attempt by the players to do it that way doesn't work for me. I am not a total fan of the Emerson quartet--I personally prefer the more urgent and less lyrical sound of the Juilliard or Tokyo Quartets. However there is some exceptional playing in the 3 Brahms Quartets. Given the low price and the scarcity of recordings of the Brahms Quartets, I would recommend this 2-disc set.

Best Recording of the Brahms Piano Quintet & Superb Brahms String Quartets Too.......2007-06-21

I have long been a fan of Murray Perahia's great recording of the Brahms Piano Quartet with the Amadeus String Quartet, but now, Deutsche Grammophon has released what ought to be regarded as the definitive recording of this work. The great American pianist Leon Fleischer - who has thankfully recovered the use of his right hand due to some rather intriguing, innovative treatment - leads the Emerson String Quartet in a stunning, quite rhapsodic performance of one of the great works in the Piano Quintet repertoire, and indeed, of chamber music itself. I should add too that "lead" is the correct verb to describe this admirable performance by all five musicians in this truly incandescent recording, which is replete with ample distinguished, lyrical playing from cellist David Finckel and his Emerson String Quartet colleagues (Their playing is truly distinguished, at a technical and interpretative level which is unquestionably at a higher level than the Amadeus String Quartet's.). As for the three Brahms String Quartets, these are inspiring, vibrant performances in their own right, with ample exqusite lyrical playing from all four string players. Recorded over the course of several years in the venerable American Academy of Arts and Letters auditorium in Washington Heights, Manhattan (New York, NY) Deutsche Grammophon's sound engineers have done an exemplary job in capturing with exqusite detail ever note played by these five superb musicians, in an acoustical setting that should be regarded as quite ambiently warm. Needless to say this two-CD set is one of the finest recordings released by both pianist Leon Fleischer and the Emerson String Quartet. Devout fans of these musicians, Johannes Brahms' chamber music, and of great classical chamber music in general, will want to add this fine recording to their collections.

Overproduced.......2007-05-22

I never thought I would apply this adjective to a classical recording, but somehow it perfectly describes the cultured detachment of these performances, especially the Op 51, No. 1 C Minor Quartet. There is not a note out of place, the phrasing is precise and musicianly, the execution of its architecture is flawless, but... the sum of the parts is bloodless.

It's not the recording I would have expected given their full blooded Beethoven cycle. In fact, the Brahms production has more in common with their Mendelssohn cycle than the Beethoven. Their Mendelssohn too, was beautiful, but leaning toward the beauty of a still life. There are other performances, in both the Mendelssohn and the Brahms, that better capture the pathos of the music. Compare Emerson's performance of the C Minor Quartet with that of the Alban Berg Quartet, a superior performance. What the Berg may lack in refinement and polish, only in comparison to the Emerson Quartet, they more than make up for in sheer vitality.

And that's the nub of it. The desire, impetuosity, fear, triumph and pathos is missing -- in short, youthfulness. I just read a review, in the New York Review of Books, of some new translations of Casanova's autobiography and one of his statements reminds me of the Emerson. Casanova wrote that throughout his thirties, his vigor faded. I can't help wondering if the same thing hasn't happened to the Emerson quartet. They are more polished than ever, but the vigor has faded. The sexual rush of the great music is missing.

The Piano Quintet becomes an instant classic--Fleisher is incomparable.......2007-05-09

One could say that this DG 2-CD set is unmissable even before the first track begins. At two-for-one price we get to hear the great Leon Fleisher, miraculously recovered from his decades-long muscle affliciton (thanks to neurology and botox) and now capable of performing Brhams's most difficult works. Fleisher is, along with Rudolf Serkin, the greatest Brahms player among Americans. Here he doesn't disappoint, in a reading of the Piano Quintet that's incredibly moving, full of mastery in every phrase.

At first I was worried that he wouldn't be a match for the strainless stel Emersons, but they adapt their style to his. In every way they are second to Fleisher's lead, and the microphone placement puts his every note front and center. Often that's a drawback, but here it's what I wanted to hear. The interpretation is more relaxed than the great one from Pollini and the Quartetto Italiano and more emotionally free than Gilels with the Amadeus Qt. (NOt to mention that the Emersons show more technical ability and polish than either ensemble.) Fleisher's touch isn't as rapid and scintillating as it was in youth, but he never drags or blurs the notes. He makes each movement one great expanse of song, and in my experience there has never been a performance to equal his. rahms's broad sweeps of lyric beauty simply take off.

Oh yes, and there are three string quartets in addition. I have never warmed to Brahms's quartet writing, much as I love his other chamber music. The Emersons play with their usual amazing unanimity, and they capture Brahms's full-scale romanticism without reserve. This isn't one of their attempts to redo a classic composer in modern style. As in the Quntet, DG's sonics are wonderful, giving us the best string sonority I've heard in a long time. I'll leave it to other reviewers to detail the individual performances here. For me, the glory of this set will always be Fleisher and his amazing autumnal rebirth.

Average customer rating:

great musicians
An older recording, but still amazing
great recording
Very good!
stirring!

Brahms: Complete Piano Quartets

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000041EI
Release Date: 1996-04-09

Tracks:

Piano Quartet In G Minor, Op. 25: 1. Allegro - J. Brahms
Piano Quartet In G Minor, Op. 25: 2. Intermezzo. Allegro ma non troppo - J. Brahms
Piano Quartet In G Minor, Op. 25: 3. Andante con moto - J. Brahms
Piano Quartet In G Minor, Op. 25: 4. Rondo alla Zingarese. Presto - J. Brahms
Piano Quartet in C minor, Op. 60: 1. Allegro ma non troppo - J. Brahms
Piano Quartet in C minor, Op. 60: 2. Scherzo. Allegro - J. Brahms
Piano Quartet in C minor, Op. 60: 3. Andante - J. Brahms
Piano Quartet in C minor, Op. 60: Finale. Allegro - J. Brahms

Tracks:

Piano Quartet in A, Op. 26: 1. Allegro non troppo - Brahms
Piano Quartet in A, Op. 26: 2. Poco adagio - Brahms
Piano Quartet in A, Op. 26: 3. Scherzo. Poco allegro - Brahms
Piano Quartet in A, Op. 26: 4. Finale. Allegro - Brahms
Piano Trio in A, Op. posth.: 1. Moderato - Brahms
Piano Trio in A, Op. posth.: 2. Vivace - Brahms
Piano Trio in A, Op. posth.: 3. Lento - Brahms
Piano Trio in A, Op. posth.: 4. Presto - Brahms

Customer Reviews:

great musicians.......2005-10-09

These are dense pieces and like a lot of Brahms could become overly heavy and plodding in the wrong hands. On this CD the Beaux Arts really bring out the romantic lyrical quality of this music unfailingly. The recording itself is just a hair distant but the detail is good. What fantastic piano one finds on these CDs! Strongly recommended.

An older recording, but still amazing.......2002-06-23

This collection of Brahms' piano quartets are a great listen all around. Every quartet has an enormous power and beauty to it.

I like to say about Brahms' music that it is airtight. There is never a wasted note. Every bit of melody, every nuance and texture in the harmony are masterfully crafted and serve a purpose. There is never a moment when you look at your watch and wonder when the composer is going to get around to wrapping this or that section up and get to the exciting stuff.

The Beaux Arts Trio along with Walter Trampler do a commendable job of bringing every moment of beauty and excitement out. They balance the sweetness of the slow movements and melodies well with the aggression and rhythmic complexities of the quicker movements. My current favorite quartet is the A Major. There is a singable melody or rhythmic puzzle in every movement. I listened to the final movement four times today (excessive I know, but it's just so much fun to try to figure out how Brahms manipulates those melodies within the time signatures)!

great recording.......2002-05-17

This is chamber music at its best played by the masters, the Beaux Arts Trio. All the pieces are played in a crisp, clean manner with the proper emotion and phrasing.

Very good!.......2001-04-01

I am an avid Brahms fan and just recently picked up this copy of the quartets. I love them! The rondo of the first quartet is fascinating and the pain in the C minor trio is unmistakable. As traditional as Brahms is, he is a definate romantic. I agree [...] about the last trio that is attributed to him. It isn't as good by far. The sound is very clear and the pianist on the recordings impressed me. If you don't own the quartets, go ahead and buy this set. You won't be dissapointed!

stirring!.......2000-01-10

I have only recently begun to love Brahms and these recordings make me question why it's taken so long! The music is incredibly rich and colorful, especially the C minor, Werther's Ballad, which you can just feel Brahms pain at losing his friend Robert Schumann! The Beaux Arts Trio is a sure winner! You will enjoy this!

Brahms: Complete String Quartets, Quintets & Sextets

Average customer rating:

Very Good, but beware technical problems
This is how all Brahms should be played!
Mastery and joy
9 CDs with THE AMADEUS: WHAT A BARGAN!
Exquisite music performed with exquisite artistry

Brahms: Complete String Quartets, Quintets & Sextets
Karl Leister , Johannes Brahms , Christoph Eschenbach , Cecil Aronowitz , Norbert Brainin , Siegmund Nissel , and Amadeus Quartet
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Sextets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00008RWRG
Release Date: 2003-10-14

Customer Reviews:

Very Good, but beware technical problems.......2007-05-26

Overall, I really enjoy these pieces. The playing is good, and the sound is quite live, which I enjoy. My favorite piece is the Quintet in G Major Op.111, though the sextet in Bb is a close second. I am a perfectionist, and my familiarity with these pieces led me to be a little dissapointed, which is why there is only 4 stars. My dissapointment stems from two facts:
1. In the first movement of the Brahms G Major Op.111, the string quintet elects not to take the repeat in m.56, so you will never hear the first ending on this recording and thus only get one shot at the awesome cello opening. I haven't listened closely enough to the other pieces on this set to discern if they avoided other repeats or not, but for the most part, they appear to be there.

2. There are technical printing problems. Though the recording is so live that you can hear the breath of the musicians and their fingers fall on the strings, there are some actual technical pops in the recording. Perhaps it was a transfer problem from analog to digital, as the recordings are old. Most of these pops are minor, but they are dissapointing for an audiophile such as myself. My CDs are pristine (no scratches at all), and even the first time playing them these pops were there. So, here's the list of what I've found thus far:

CD 3:
Track 6: Pops & clicks at 1:19 & 1:22.

CD 5:
Track 1: Pops at 6:01.
Track 2: Pops & clicks at 0:13, 3:56, & 6:16.
Track 5: Pop at 12:07.
Track 7: Pop & clicks at 6:11, 7:45, 7:51-7:52 (these are quite noticable), 7:59, 8:03, 8:11.
Track 8: Pop at 7:34.

It is a well-played set; hopefully they will get the printing correct on the next batch.

This is how all Brahms should be played!.......2007-02-14

There isn't much to say about this set, but I'll say what there is to say: These players play the Brahms chamber music here with such emotion, musical understanding, and overall perfection that this set should be made into a must for all Brahms chamber music lovers. The Amadeus quartet, along with all of the other performers, including Eschenbach on the piano and Leister on the clarinet, really know what they're doing and play it so beautifully that the listener will want to hear the pieces again and again until the CD player is practically worn out. These Brahms works are some of the most sublime works of the later 19th century. For such quality music and great sound, especially for having been recorded in the 1960's, the price is also great. I recommend this set very highly, and hope you decide to get and enjoy it as much as I do.

Mastery and joy.......2006-12-12

Because they lasted such a long time and toward the end didn't play at their best, I found reasons to overlook the Madeus Qt. But in this 9-CD set of the complete chamber music of Brahms, there are some sublime performances--I would especially point to both String Sextets, for example. In every instance the style of the Amadeus is full of vibrancy and joy, and their ensemble isn't baased on technical perfection but rather a kinship of musical taste and feeling (this puts them poles apart from the Emerson Qt., for me at least). I also love the Brahms chamber performances on Sony with Yo-Yo Ma, Isaac Stern, emanuel Ax, and friends, but this DG set is altogether sweeter and more lyrical.

Since Amazon neglects to list the additional players who join the Amadeus for the works that aren't soely for a string quartet, here's the run-down from Tower:

1. Quartet for Strings no 1 in C minor, Op. 51 no 1
Ensemble: Amadeus String Quartet

2. Quartet for Strings no 2 in A minor, Op. 51 no 2
Ensemble: Amadeus String Quartet

3. Quartet for Strings no 3 in B flat major, Op. 67
Ensemble: Amadeus String Quartet

4. Quintet for Piano and Strings in F minor, Op. 34
Ensemble: Amadeus String Quartet
Performer: Eschenbach, Christoph

5. Quintet for Strings no 1 in F major, Op. 88
Ensemble: Amadeus String Quartet
Performer: Aronowitz, Cecil

6. Quintet for Strings no 2 in G major, Op. 111
Ensemble: Amadeus String Quartet
Performer: Aronowitz, Cecil

7. Trio for Clarinet, Cello and Piano in A minor, Op. 114
Performer: Leister, Karl; Eschenbach, Christoph; Donderer, Georg

8. Quintet for Clarinet and Strings in B minor, Op. 115
Ensemble: Amadeus String Quartet
Performer: Leister, Karl

9. Sextet for Strings no 1 in B flat major, Op. 18
Ensemble: Amadeus String Quartet
Performer: Aronowitz, Cecil; Pleeth, William

10. Sextet for Strings no 2 in G major, Op. 36
Ensemble: Amadeus String Quartet
Performer: Aronowitz, Cecil; Pleeth, William

9 CDs with THE AMADEUS: WHAT A BARGAN!.......2005-10-04

This is a really nice set at a bargan price.

Exquisite music performed with exquisite artistry.......2005-05-20

All the passion, majesty, pathos, and soul of his symphonies is in these 10 works of chamber music by Brahms:

3 string quartets;
2 string quintets;
2 string sextets;
a quintet for piano, 2 violins, viola, and violoncello;
a trio for piano, clarinet, and violoncello;
and a quintet for clarinet, 2 violins, viola, and violoncello.

All this wealth of extraordinary music is in a 5 CD set, performed by one of the finest chamber music ensembles in the world, with the added artistry of Christoph Eschenbach (piano), Cecil Aronowitz (viola), and Karl Leister (clarinet).

One CD is 50' 36 in length, 2 are in the low 60's, and 2 are in the low 70's.

I have an inexpensive CD player, but this music emerges from it with the sharpness of etched glass, the smoothness of warmed honey, and the softness of rivers of silver in moonlight.

This is music to celebrate the joy and the pathos of life, played with soul, sensitivity, and power. Buy it and treasure this gift to yourself.

Boccherini: Quintets For Guitar And Strings

Average customer rating:

barefoot kicker
Vivid & stylish performances
Joyous

Boccherini: Quintets For Guitar And Strings

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00000417Y
Release Date: 1994-01-18

Tracks:

No. 1 In D Minor, G. 445: 1. Allegro moderato
No. 1 In D Minor, G. 445: 2. Cantabile
No. 1 In D Minor, G. 445: 3. Minuetto
No. 1 In D Minor, G. 445: 4. Finale (Allegro assai)
No. 3 In B Flat, G. 447: 1. Allegro moderato
No. 3 In B Flat, G. 447: 2. Tempo di minuetto
No. 3 In B Flat, G. 447: 3. Adagio
No. 3 In B Flat, G. 447: 4. Allegro
No. 5 In D, G. 449: 1. Andantino pausato
No. 5 In D, G. 449: 2. Minuetto
No. 5 In D, G. 449: 3. Allegro giusto
No. 5 In D, G. 449: 4. Andantino pausato con variazioni - Allegro giusto
No. 7 In E Minor, G. 451: 1. Allegro moderato
No. 7 In E Minor, G. 451: 2. Adagio
No. 7 In E Minor, G. 451: 3. Minuetto
No. 7 In E Minor, G. 451: 4. Allegretto

Tracks:

No. 2 In E, G. 446: 1. Maestoso assai
No. 2 In E, G. 446: 2. Adagio - Allegretto
No. 2 In E, G. 446: 3. Polacca (Tempo di minuetto)
No. 4 In D, G. 448 (Fandango): 1. Pastorale
No. 4 In D, G. 448 (Fandango): 2. Allegro maestoso
No. 4 In D, G. 448 (Fandango): 3. Grave assai - Fandango
No. 6 In G, G. 450: 1. Allegro con vivacit
No. 6 In G, G. 450: 2. Andantino lento
No. 6 In G, G. 450: 3. Tempo di minuetto
No. 6 In G, G. 450: 4. Allegretto
No. 9 In C, G. 453 (La Ritirata di Madrid): 1. Alegro maestoso assai
No. 9 In C, G. 453 (La Ritirata di Madrid): 2. Andantino
No. 9 In C, G. 453 (La Ritirata di Madrid): 3. Allegretto
No. 9 In C, G. 453 (La Ritirata di Madrid): 4. La Ritirata di Madrid

Customer Reviews:

barefoot kicker.......2007-01-10

Boccherini's Quintets for Guitar and Strings do not highlight the guitar as solo instrument in the way that better-known Baroque concerti frame and focus upon their respective solo instruments. Rather, the instrument insinuates itself into a company of strings and plays along with them, sometimes providing a steady background and occasionally emerging as a conventional soloist.

Like a soccer player who becomes an NFL kicker, this unexpected entree of the guitar into an unfamiliar environment displays pleasing crossover skills and unanticipated potentialities.

The Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble gives a truly splendid performance. Boccherini writes for a vivacious violin, and he certainly finds his desideratum among this ensemble. Indeed, the violin is arguably more prominent in this music than the guitar.

One does not finish a careful hearing of this performance astonished by Pepe Romero's technical virtuosity. Boccherini does not set this artist up for such an outcome. Rather, one concludes with admiration and gratitude for Romero's ability to sublimate certain soloist prerogatives and integrate himself fully into this string-ish company, where he plays with evident cameraderie.

The quality of the sounds produced by the Philips engineers is stunning, a word one strives not to use loosely.

¡Viva Romero and his tribe!

Field goals and extra points, after all, win football games.

Vivid & stylish performances.......2006-10-26

Pepe Romero teams up with members from the Academy of Saint Martin in the Fields Chamber Orchestra. Though originally released in the late 1970's, this is still the best recording of the guitar quintets of Luigi Boccherini. The playing is first rate, and the balance between guitar and strings is just right. (In most such recordings the guitar is either inaudible or unnaturally bloated.) Personally I'm not fond of all Boccherini's guitar quintets--one critic grumped that they're more fun to play than to hear. But No. 4 with its famous "Fandango" and No. 9 "La Ritirata di Madrid" are delightful.

Joyous.......2005-12-06

A joyous celebration. That's the best way I can describe his music. It transport me to the past where I can wander around with grand ladies and gentlemen of the court, or go sailing off into the mist.

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

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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:

A well chosen album title
Happy Birthday by Gidon Kremer
A perfect birthday gift
Jest with Zest
I want to play the variations myself!

Happy Birthday
Gidon Kremer , and Kremerata Baltica
Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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Silencio
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ASIN: B00006JP2B
Release Date: 2003-01-28

Tracks:

Polka
Thema
Variation Nach Joseph Haydn
Variation Nach Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Variation Nach Ludwig Van Beethoven
Variation Nach Johannes Brahms
Variation Nach Robert Schumann
Variation Nach Antonin Dvorak
Polka/Valse
Variation Im Stil Von Filmmusik
Ragtime
Tango
Czardas
Adagio
Allegretto
Ad Libitum
Allegro. Presto
Variations Brillantes Et Concertantes Sur L'air 'God Save The King,' Op.38
Elegy
McMozart's Eine Kleine Bricht Moonlicht Nicht Musik
I. Eine Kleine Nichtmusik
II. Moonlight Concerto
III. Chaconne A Son Gout
IV. Hommage To Shostakofiev
Souvenir

Amazon.com

To celebrate its sixth anniversary as an ensemble, Kremerata Baltica presents a light, loving, and musically interesting confection. After an opening polka by Schnittke (who knew he could be so frothy?), we get 11 variations on the song "Happy Birthday" by Peter Heidrich, à la Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms, and some dance movements. Delightful. Elsewhere, Franz Waxman's Variations on "Auld lang syne" are as clever as they are unexpected and charming. More variations--this time on "God save the King" by the 19th century composers Ghys and Servais--afford Kremer and cellist Marta Sudraba a fine time, and Teddy Bor's brief riff on Mozart's omnipresent "Eine kleine nachtmusik" is a hoot. There's more, but the point is made: Classical music can be fun and sophisticated, and Kremer and his group remain virtuosi, one and all. --Robert Levine

Album Description

These young Baltic musicians possess a vivid spectrum of string color, thoroughly polished execution, and a direction of effort in service to the composer... There is no violinist with greater versatility and commitment to musical truth than Kremer. Slipcase. Nonesuch. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

A well chosen album title.......2007-01-10

I was desperately looking through the internet for a tango "happy birthday" and the tune was there, in this album. After I purchased the cd, I read the booklet included and there I found mentioned that "the album's title is not merely a reference to the popular tune, but a celebration of the ensemble's anniversary". So, I was happy to have finally found a tango "happy birthday" but I was also disappointed because this was not the playful album I was looking forward to listen to.
But this is a bit unfair for this excellent orchestra.
If what you are looking for is innovations on the romantic classicals... well this could be it. The point is that this is an album for listeners who know their way into classical music.
Other than that I should suggest that innovation regarding any classical music "playful" album would be to capture the listener's interest with more daring ways than that.

Happy Birthday by Gidon Kremer.......2007-01-09

This is a nice "classic" touch for any birthday celebration--great musical treatment of a most familiar tune!

A perfect birthday gift.......2006-01-26

I bought it out of my own devotion to Gidon Kremer and another one for a food friend's birthday. Kremer never let me down. This is another outstanding CD and a perfect birthday gift, even for non-classical lovers. However, to be very honest, I am not totally satisfied with all the tracks but still it's highly recommended. I would say it is an almost-must-have for your CD shelf. The variation of the traditional 'Happy Birthday' is fantastic if not too commercial.

Jest with Zest.......2005-11-26

If you enjoy parodies, this will be the perfect album for you. The jokes played on the various composers are amusing and refreshing, especially for music students who bore their brains out analysing these composers. Take a fresh view and enjoy! Even though they may seem meaningless initially, they grow onto you soon enough; and you will start asking - why not?

I want to play the variations myself!.......2004-07-22

My God...I will be too grateful to anyone who can show me where I can get the printed music of the "Happy Birthday" variation ....

Average customer rating:

Making the best case possible for Faure's music
can't be played on computers
Intriguing pieces, very well done
FINESSING FAURE
Another Classic Quartet

Fauré: Piano Quartets

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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Fauré: Piano Quintets
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Franck - Sonata for violin and piano · Debussy - Sonatas · Ravel - Introduction and Allegro / Chung · Lupu · Ellis · Melos Ensemble

ASIN: B0000027U7
Release Date: 1993-01-12

Tracks:

Quartet For Piano, Violin, Viola And Cello No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 15: I. Allegro molto moderato
Quartet For Piano, Violin, Viola And Cello No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 15: II. Scherzo. Allegro vivo
Quartet For Piano, Violin, Viola And Cello No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 15: III. Adagio
Quartet For Piano, Violin, Viola And Cello No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 15: IV. Allegro molto
I. Allegro molto moderato
Quartet For Piano, Violin, Viola And Cello No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 45: II. Scherzo. Allegro molto
Quartet For Piano, Violin, Viola And Cello No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 45: III. Adagio non troppo
Quartet For Piano, Violin, Viola And Cello No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 45: IV. Allegro molto

Customer Reviews:

Making the best case possible for Faure's music.......2007-02-24

I can only add a few personal comments to Mr. Sobel's intelligent and perceptive review. These are, as he says, glorious performances, and if you buy the 'expanded edition,' you get a mesmerizing transcription for Yo-Yo Ma of Massenet's Meditation from Thais for violin (a moldy chestnut, but Ma plays it as if it's genius). Faure's chamber music is written in his own private harmony, relying a great deal on parallel chords; his melodic inspiraiton is uneven and often tepid; his idiom can be cloying, like taffeta and whipped cream, made bitter with melancholy-- an uneasy mix.

Therefore, it's quite difficult to pull off either of his two Piano Quartets; there's not enough variety from begining to end. Even so, the opening sonata movemens in both works are Schumannesque and carry the most passion and conviciton. The Scherzo of the second quartet is a lively tarentella-like dance, and the same work's finale is mostly strong and vigorous. That's four movements out of eighth that bring me lasting enjoyment (the droopy, somber slow movements are worth skipping unless you want a rainy day in your living room).

It was wise of Ax, Stern, Laredo, and Ma to emphasize the German side of this music, which if taken as too French (delicate, diaphanous, haunting) can seem spineless, a dream of sonata form instead of the real thing. It would be hard to imagine more persuasive accounts, in fact, and the recorded sound is fine.

can't be played on computers.......2007-02-16

No one could say a bad thing about these artists of course, but be warned that the CD cannot be played on computers (or at least on my two Dell laptops).

Intriguing pieces, very well done.......2004-05-21

To call these works by Faure mood pieces would be as apt a description as any. The later opus 45 Quartet is the more popular as well as the more mature and somber work. Unlike its younger opus 15, it doesn't offer much of a lift for the spirits; but, I suppose, that was not the intent of its creator. Nevertheless, this solid group of artists gives sensitive and extremely well played performances of both works. I find the earlier quartet especially satisfying. Each of its four movements is quite attractive. The first is fairly intense and rhapsodic. The second (scherzo) is reminiscent of sound track music for a Charlie Chaplin movie, however, lest one consider this sacrilege and take umbrage, I will assert it is somewhat more sophisticatedly charming. Here, pianist Ax displays a very pleasant litheness and is nicely accompanied by his stringed partners. The adagio has a tinge of sadness, but the group underscores beautifully its poignant qualities. In the final movement, the quartet is warmly attuned to the mixture of colorful, freely flowing sentiment. Sound quality is very satisfying.

FINESSING FAURE.......2001-11-09

Gabriel Faure (1845-1924) inhabits a "sound world" uniquely his own: moody, harmonically complex, sometimes neurotically so, melodically elusive. Less readily accessible than either of his French contemporaries, Debussy and Ravel, Faure's chamber music, nonetheless, is infinitely rewarding and certainly should be more widely recorded and available.

This remarkably rich offering of Faure's only two piano quartets (in C Minor, Op. 15 and G Minor, Op. 45) will, no doubt, go a long way in re-energizing interest in this coupling of the composer's most "popular" ensemble works. The reason is obvious: Ax, Stern, Ma, and Laredo. These musicians, glorious all, bring to Faure a warmth, freshness, depth, clarity and affection I've never heard in any other interpretation. Rather than dwelling on the somber, often disturbing musical elements Faure can manifest, these remarkable performers infuse the music with a robust charm, full-blooded emotional intensity and a delicious sense of pluck that is irresistibly impish--- all seeming easily and spontaneously generated.

Accessible is a word that is critical here. All too often, and Faure is no exception, it is the performance that can make or break a composition, especially on initial hearing. Faure needs finessing, understanding, simpatico; otherwise, his chamber compositions can sound a tad oppressive. Musicians, like these, who reach into the very core of Faure and retrieve the penultimate glories of his searching, timeless Adagios, who can transform opening Allegros into masterpieces unto themselves, and whose playing radiates the subtle, naive delight imbued in the Scherzos, are the kind of incredible artists who enable Faure to have his say and to become readily and beautifully accessible.

Violinist Stern and violist Laredo meld effortlessly, yet elucidate Faure's complex writing sublimely, while Ma's cello is always supportive, never intrusive, and pianist Ax, superb throughout, keeps apace of every mood, every shift in design, every nuance--- and never center-stages himself. The integration of this ensemble, particularly in these Faure piano quartets, is a miracle to hear, their playing raising these works to near pinnacle height; yet, at the very same time, keeping Faure entirely approachable. The recording itself, too, is a revelation: warm, full, detailed and thrillingly realistic. The "presence" of these musicians is immediate.

[Running time: 66:54]

Another Classic Quartet.......2001-01-02

Virtuosos Yo-Yo Ma, Emanuel Ax, Isaac Stern and Jamie Laredo have once again struck chamber gold. The group responsible for classic discs of piano quartet music by Beethoven/Schumann, Brahms, Dvorak and Mozart (see my reviews of the latter two) have recorded another gem with this album. Coming from a jazz background, I can only compare these men's musical understanding and familiarity to that of the classic Coltrane Quartet. As far as the compositions go, Faure's two piano quartets were written in the 1880s, and they are hauntingly beautiful, and surprisingly dense and layered. While Faure is not as well known as the five classical composers mentioned above, this disc should do a lot to remedy that problem.

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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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:

Masterful Mozart

Mozart: The Piano Quartets

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0001ENYJ4
Release Date: 2004-02-24

Tracks:

I. Allegro - Jaime Laredo
II. Larghetto - Jaime Laredo
III. Allegretto - Jaime Laredo
I. Allegro - Jaime Laredo
II. Andante - Jaime Laredo
III. Rondo - Jaime Laredo
I. Andante - Richard Stoltzman
II. Menuetto - Trio - Richard Stoltzman
III. Rondeauz. Allegretto - Richard Stoltzman

Customer Reviews:

Masterful Mozart.......2006-01-27

These two "Piano Quartets" are Mozart at his most magnificent. The team of Ma, Ax, Stern and Laredo, who also brought us classic chamber recordings by Beethoven, Brahms, Faure, and most recently Dvorak, here tackle Mozart with glowing results. I have to say that while I'm a huge fan of Yo-Yo Ma and Isaac Stern, I can be luke warm about Emanuel Ax . While I don't dispute his virtuosity, I sometimes have found his playing style cold and uninspiring. Oh, but not here! This quartet's playing is wonderfully telepathic, and they make the music jump off the page. There's even a little improvising going on, and while it may not be of the same volume and nature as John Coltrane and Miles Davis, it is of similar quality. This Mozart "Piano Quartets" is an essential purchase for serious fans, and a great introduction for newcomers. Happy 250th Wolfie!

Average customer rating:

The best available?

Brahms: The Piano Quartets

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000JCDRZY
Release Date: 2006-12-12

Tracks:

Allegro
Intermezzo: Allegro Ma Non Troppo - Trio: Animato
Andante Con Moto
Rondo Alla Zingarese: Presto
Allegro Non Troppo
Scherzo: Allegro
Andante
Finale: Allegro Comodo

Tracks:

Allegro Non Troppo
Poco Adagio
Scherzo: Poco Allegro - Trio
Finale: Allegro
Andante Moderato
Andante Non Troppo E Con Molto Espressione
Andante Con Moto

Customer Reviews:

The best available?.......2007-04-03

Having had the Ax/Stern/Laredo/Ma for a while, I wondered what this performance would be like.
It is as near perfection as can be imagined. There is no hint of strain in any of the parts of these exceptionally demanding works. It is a joy to hear such ensemble playing with Hamelin leading - but not dominating the ensemble.
The addition of the late Brahms pieces enhances the issue and hopefully there will be more to come!
If you have any doubts - try the samples and then I am sure you will buy!

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

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