Quartetto Paolo Borciani

1. String Quartet (1958) Franco
Composed by Goffredo Petrassi
with Paolo Borciani Quartet , Fulvio Luciani , Elena Ponzoni , Claudia Ravetto , Roberto Tarenzi

2. Heart's Eye, The
Composed by Franco Donatoni
with Paolo Borciani Quartet , Fulvio Luciani , Elena Ponzoni , Claudia Ravetto , Roberto Tarenzi

3. String quartet with lied
Composed by Alessandro Solbiati
with Paolo Borciani Quartet , Aurora Bisanti , Fulvio Luciani , Elena Ponzoni , Claudia Ravetto , Roberto Tarenzi

Quartetto Paolo Borciani,Petrassi,Donatoni,Solbiati,Stradivarius,Classical

Average customer rating: I love this cd! As good as it gets Good Value, But Hardly the Best Recording Flawed "Death and the Maiden" Legendary Italians

Schubert: The Last Four Quartets Franco Rossi , Franz Schubert , Piero Farulli , Elisa Pegreffi , Paolo Borciani , and Quartetto Italiano Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Franz Schubert: Complete Trios Robert Schumann: Radu Lupu - Kinderszenen/Kreisleriana/Humoreske Schubert - String Quintet in C / Alban Berg Quartet · Schiff Dvorák: String Quartets Opp. 96 "American" and 106 Haydn: String Quartets Op. 76, Nos. 1-3 ASIN: B0000041BX Release Date: 1995-04-11

Tracks:

1. String Quartet No. 14 In D Minor, D. 810 'Death And The Maiden': 1. Allegro
2. String Quartet No. 14 In D Minor, D. 810 'Death And The Maiden': 2. Andante con moto
3. String Quartet No. 14 In D Minor, D. 810 'Death And The Maiden': 3. Scherzo. Allegro molto
4. String Quartet No. 14 In D Minor, D. 810 'Death And The Maiden': 4. Presto
5. String Quartet No. 13 In A Minor, D. 804 'Rosamunde': 1. Allegro ma non troppo
6. String Quartet No. 13 In A Minor, D. 804 'Rosamunde': 2. Andante
7. String Quartet No. 13 In A Minor, D. 804 'Rosamunde': 3. Menuetto
8. String Quartet No. 13 In A Minor, D. 804 'Rosamunde': 4. Allegro moderato

Tracks:

1. String Quartet No. 15 In G, D. 887: 1. Allegro molto moderato
2. String Quartet No. 15 In G, D. 887: 2. Andante un poco moto
3. String Quartet No. 15 In G, D. 887: 3. Scherzo. Allegro vivace
4. String Quartet No. 15 In G, D. 887: 4. Allegro Assai
5. String Quartet No. 12 In C Minor, D. 703 'Quartettsatz': 1. Allegro assai

Amazon.com

Few quartets match this legendary Italian ensemble for tonal sheen and refinement. The ensemble imbues the famous variations movement of "Death and the Maiden" with a kind of choked inwardness that never dematerializes into bathos. One might wish the players to allow Schubert's extroverted moments their giddy head, rather than reigning things in. The group embarks upon the composer's other-worldly G Major Quartet with quiet, trembling tread, making you work with them as they divine the music's visionary beauties and dark truths. Listen to this performance in a quiet space, with the lights out. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

I love this cd!.......2007-02-16

How can people give this less than 4 stars!? The performance by the Quartetto Italiano is great. Very confident and powerful playing. If you like "in your face" recordings you will like this. Very close miked and "hot" sound. Clearly played and wonderfully recorded. There may be better individual recordings, but as a set of four this is a stone cold bargain. I would highly recommend this cd.

As good as it gets.......2007-02-11

I had not come across the Quartetto Italiano before which is not so surprising as these recordings were made 30 - 40 years ago. However it is a great delight to find them as their playing delightfully taut and energetic. Maybe the tempo is a little slower than expected in the Andante of the G major quartet but it still brings out some wonderful highlights.
It would be surprising to find a btter recording anywhere.
Phil Rowe

Good Value, But Hardly the Best Recording.......2005-09-02

When I like a body of work by a composer, I collect many different recordings. For me, Schubert's late string quartets are perfect. I own several versions including the Melos Quartet and the Auryn Quartet. This Philips recording is a recent addition, and while it is a fair value, the sound is mediocre and the interpretation is irritating to me(every movement is slow, slow, slow).

Try to find a copy of the Auryn Quartet if you can. The recordings are magnificent and the music is perfect.

Flawed "Death and the Maiden".......2005-06-03

I am surprised that Alan Lekan ("Legendary Italians" 5/31/05) is the only reviewer to comment on the "booming" or thumping sound that appears throughout quartet number 14 regardless of the quality of playback equipment. Although the performances are outstanding Philips should never have released this recording, or at least not without a warning. Recommended purchase only to those who have other versions of #14.

Legendary Italians.......2005-05-31

The great composer Franz Schubert is often talked about as a "late bloomer," referring to how his last compositions emerged with great maturity, emotional complexity and consumate skill. These last four quartets are part of this final, masterful phase of Schubert's short life as a composer and should be in every chamber-music collector's shelf.

Among the finest performances of these great quartets stands the recordings here from the legendary Quartetto Italiano - one of the top quartets in the 60's and 70's. The Quartetto Italiano really have a nack for penetrating the depths of such emotive works as #14 or #15 and bring out the intended drama and pathos within. Their powerful reading of the great, last quartet in G (#15) is especially noted by many major reviewers as one of the finest recordings of this complex masterpiece. The first movement in particular is epic in scale (lasting some 25 minutes) and exudes a powerful, anguished emotional mood which the Italianos bring out with tremedous depth and passion that can send chills down your spine. In all, their playing is of the highest caliber and just sounds superb in terms of synchonicity, intonation and phrasing. Their unison within cresendos is impeccable as was their ability to create sonorities on a "symphonic scale."

However, I found one quirky sonic flaw throughout the entire "Death and the Maiden" and other quartets when listening with headphones: there was an intermittent and jarring "booming" sound that is quite distracting. It is probably not be an issue without headphones, but be forewarned nevertheless. Overall, the sound quality is very good but not perfect given the transfer to CD from the 1960's analog tapes. There is not quite the depth and realism of more modern recordings in general, but this should not discourage purchase for most.

Other quartets to consider for these works are the Guarnari Quartet and, in some works, the Emersons - although the Emerson's style is more "direct" and less "old world graceful" like the Alban Berg's or lyrically soaring like the Quartetto Italiano's overall sound. The Quatuor Mosaiques also recorded a powerful reading of the Rosamunde quartet and others that ranks with the best. All-in-all, I would say the Italianos is of the finest SETS of Schubert's greatest (last) quartets - although some individual quartets may be better represented by other ensembles. When I hear music of this stature, it reminds me how unfortunate it was for Schubert that his enormous talent and output was not recognized and valued in his day. And these last quartets are only a small part of that heritage.

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

Beethoven: Complete String Quartets Ludwig van Beethoven , Quartetto Italiano , Piero Farulli , Elisa Pegreffi , and Paolo Borciani Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet Beethoven: The String Quartets/ Grosse Fuge Mozart: Violin Concertos; Wind Concertos Haydn: Complete Piano Trios ASIN: B0000041LL Release Date: 1997-09-16

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating: NATION SPEAKS TO NATION Fine sound and solid playing

Brahms: Complete String Quartets; Clarinet Sonatas Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Clarinet | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Brahms: The Complete Quintets Brahms: Complete Trios Brahms: Complete Piano Quartets Mozart: Violin Concertos Schumann: Complete Piano Trios ASIN: B0000041N7 Release Date: 1997-11-11

Tracks:

1. String Quartet No. 1 In C Minor Op. 51 No. 1: Allegro
2. String Quartet No. 1 In C Minor Op. 51 No. 1: Romanze. Poco adagio
3. String Quartet No. 1 In C Minor Op. 51 No. 1: Allegretto molto moderato e comodo - Un poco piu animato
4. String Quartet No. 1 In C Minor Op. 51 No. 1: Allegro
5. String Quartet No. 3 In B Flat, Op. 67: Vivace
6. String Quartet No. 3 In B Flat, Op. 67: Andante
7. String Quartet No. 3 In B Flat, Op. 67: Agitato. Allegretto non troppo
8. String Quartet No. 3 In B Flat, Op. 67: Poco allegretto con variazioni - Doppio movimento

Tracks:

1. String Quartet No. 2 In A Minor, Op. 51 No. 2: Allegro non troppo
2. String Quartet No. 2 In A Minor, Op. 51 No. 2: Andante moderato
3. String Quartet No. 2 In A Minor, Op. 51 No. 2: Quasi minuetto, moderato - Allegretto vivace
4. String Quartet No. 2 In A Minor, Op. 51 No. 2: Finale. Allagro non assai - Piu vivace
5. Sonata for Clarinet And Piano No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 120 No. 1: Allegro appassionato
6. Sonata for Clarinet And Piano No. 1 In F Minor,Op. 120 No. 1: Andante un poco adagio
7. Sonata for Clarinet And Piano No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 120 No. 1: Allegretto grazioso
8. Sonata for Clarinet And Piano No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 120 No. 1: Vivace
9. Sonata For Clarinet And Piano No. 2 In E Flat, Op. 120 No. 2: Allegro amabile
10. Sonata For Clarinet And Piano No. 2 In E Flat, Op. 120 No. 2: Appassionato, ma non troppo allegro
11. Sonata For Clarinet And Piano No. 2 In E Flat, Op. 120 No. 2: Andante con moto
12. Sonata For Clarinet And Piano No. 2 In E Flat, Op. 120 No. 2: Allegro non troppo

Customer Reviews:

NATION SPEAKS TO NATION.......2006-03-19

Of all 19th century composers Brahms is the most German and the least Italian. This makes it all the more pleasant to be able to recommend this account of his string quartets by the Italian Quartet as warmly as I do. Nothing on this pair of discs at all, either in the quartets or in the clarinet sonatas, strikes me as being my own idea of 'wrong'. Indeed nothing strikes me as being less than very good, and the performance of the A minor quartet at least is one that I would call completely outstanding. The players seem to understand Brahms's idiom perfectly, the playing itself is top-notch, and the recording, while perhaps not to the most spectacular modern standard, is right in every respect that really matters, particularly as regards the fullness of the sound.

Tempi throughout are well chosen. I found this to be particularly true of the tricky third movement of the C minor quartet. In this movement I might have liked just a little more prominence to be given to the lower of the two simultaneous melodies, but that is only a personal taste of my own, and the lower melody should not be completely equal to the higher in any case. Much more important is that the Italians do the trio section of this movement to absolute perfection, with the peculiar twanging effect that I always like to hear in the accompaniment. The A minor comes near absolute perfection for me from start to finish. Both the first movement, and even more so the second, need to be kept moving as they are here, the instrumental tone is superb throughout, and the minuet (another tricky piece to bring off) is judged to a nicety. In the third movement of the B flat the viola melody again is fervent and deeply felt as it should be, and the final set of variations is just about ideal too, particularly in the tempo rubato, where I have always thought Brainin's phrasing in the Amadeus version to be stiff and unconvincing.

This set also includes extremely fine accounts of the two clarinet sonatas, a convincing alternative to another fine disc I have where the performers are Thea King and Clifford Benson. These sonatas are Brahms's last chamber works, and they have an elegiac feel about them, particularly the first of the two. The whole effect here is richer, especially in terms of the clarinet sound, than from King and Benson, and I would not like to say which I prefer overall. For all the `sunset' mood of the works there is a good deal of forcefulness called for now and again, and these players are not afraid of that. Hepzibah Menuhin gives full value in the big chords, and while no sense of rush would be appropriate the speeds are not allowed to drag either, and rightly not.

I can't really say that you will find much illumination in the liner note, and I'd suggest that if you look for the influence of Beethoven that the author purports to find in the first movement of the C minor quartet you are not going to find it. It doesn't read to me either as if he has appreciated the significance of the wonderful slow movement of this quartet, where there really is influence from Beethoven - from no less than the cavatina of his B flat quartet op 130. The climactic phrase of the opening melody in particular recalls the same point in Beethoven's sublime inspiration, and as played here it stands up very well to the comparison.

All in all, a really admirable set despite this minor let-down. If Germany itself has produced a better version since the great days of the Busch Quartet I can't offhand recall which it is.

Fine sound and solid playing.......2002-07-09

This is a fine sounding disk with solid interpretations of the music. This collection provides all three string quartets with the two sontatas for clarinet and piano. It seems an odd mix, but somehow it works in this collection.

Brahms writes so well for string quartet that I find myself wishing he had found a way to write more of them. Maybe he did and burned them. In any case, these are pieces to treasure and to listen to over and over again. And certainly you will want to hear different interpretations of these pieces.

George Pieterson has a beautiful tone and plays the clarinet sontas with hepzibah Menuhin on the piano. They perform well together and let us hear a part of the repertoire we don't get exposed to unless we are clarinetists or accompanists or relatives to clarinetists! I have always loved the tone of the clarinet and there is a lot to love in these recordings.

This fine recording is certainly worthy of a place in your collection.

Average customer rating:

The Quartetto Italiano Plays Vitali, Vivaldi, Galuppi, Boccherini & Cambini Manufacturer: Testament ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Boccherini | Boccherini, Luigi | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Galuppi | Galuppi, Baldassare | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B00000AE36 Release Date: 1998-08-11

Tracks:

1. Capriccio
2. Son A Quattro: 'Al Santo Sepolcro': I. Largo Molto
3. Son A Quattro: 'Al Santo Sepolcro': II. Allegro Ma Poco
4. Con A Quattro in g: I. Grave E Adagio
5. Con A Quattro in g: II. Spiritoso
6. Con A Quattro in g: III. Allegro
7. Str Qt in E Flat, Op.58 No.3: I. Allegretto Lento
8. Str Qt in E Flat, Op.58 No.3: II. Minuetto (Allegro) E Trio
9. Str Qt in E Flat, Op.58 No.3: III. Larghetto Malincolico
10. Str Qt in E Flat, Op.58 No.3: IV. Allegro Vivo Assai-Finale
11. 'La Tiranna Spagnola,' Op.44 No.4: I. Presto
12. 'La Tiranna Spagnola,' Op.44 No.4: II. Tempo Di Minuetto
13. Str Qt in g: I. Allegro Affettuoso
14. Str Qt in g: II. Adagio
15. Str Qt in g: III. Presto

Average customer rating: A top choice in these two quartets, with highly personal music-making

Debussy & Ravel: String Quartets (Italian Quartet) [IMPORT] Quartetto Italiano , Claude Debussy , Maurice Ravel , 1st violin; Elisa Pegreffi, 2nd violin Italian Quartet: Paolo Borciani , and viola; Franco Rossi, cello Piero Farulli Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B000060MDS Release Date: 2002-01-28

Tracks:

1. Anime Et Tres Decide
2. Scherzo
3. Andantino Doucement Expressif
4. Tres Modere
5. Allegro Moderato. Tres Doux
6. Assez Vif. Tres Rythme
7. Tres Lent
8. Vif Et Agite

Customer Reviews:

A top choice in these two quartets, with highly personal music-making.......2006-08-17

Pairing Debussy and Ravel in their only string quartets is a cliche by now, and buyers have a wide range of choice. In terms of sheer virtuosity, no one has excelled the Alban Berg Qt., (EMI), who play with seamless technique and gleaming tone. but it all osunds a bit too efficient and impersonal. There's more atmosphere in the version by the Tokyo Qt., among others.

I listened to half a dozen recordings before settling on this one form the Quartetto Italiano. (they were together for so long that you can get a historic mono recording of the smae music on EMI). The Quartetto doesn't try to sound airy, diaphanous, or particularly French. Instead, they give a presonal, uniquely phrased version that sounds as if each player is esponding from deep feelings about the music. That's rare in performances of Debussy and Ravel, where the syle is more or less locked in. the miking is quite close, and although they lack the sheen of the Bertg Qt, the Quartetto Italiano deserves their reputaiton for making beautiful sounds.

Average customer rating:

Quartetto Italiano: Schubert, 'Death & the Maiden' Quartet/Dvorak, 'American' Quartet/Borodin, 'Notturno' Quartetto Italiano Manufacturer: Philips Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B00000E3ML Release Date: 1990-10-25

Average customer rating:

Debussy & Ravel: String Quartets (Italian Quartet) Claude Debussy , Maurice Ravel , Quartetto Italiano , 1st violin; Elisa Pegreffi, 2nd violin Italian Quartet: Paolo Borciani , and viola; Franco Rossi, cello Piero Farulli Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B00000E3N0 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Average customer rating:

Beethoven: The Middle String Quartets Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B00000E3LN Release Date: 1989-11-28

Average customer rating:

Beethoven: The Early String Quartets Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B000006M8Q Release Date: 1989-11-28

Average customer rating:

Beethoven: The Late String Quartets; "Grosse Fuge" Paolo Borciani , Piero Farulli , Elisa Pegreffi , Franco Rossi , and Quartetto Italiano Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B000004124 Release Date: 1990-02-05

Tracks:

1. String Quartet No. 12 In E Flat, Op. 127: 1. Maestoso - Allegro
2. String Quartet No. 12 In E Flat, Op. 127: 2. Adagio, ma non troppo e molto cantabile
3. String Quartet No. 12 In E Flat, Op. 127: 3. Scherzando vivace
4. String Quartet No. 12 In E Flat, Op. 127: 4. Finale
5. String Quartet No. 16 In F, Op. 135: 1. Allegretto
6. String Quartet No. 16 In F, Op. 135: 2. Vivace
7. String Quartet No. 16 In F, Op. 135: 3. Lento assai, cantate e tranquillo
8. String Quartet No. 16 In F, Op. 135: 4. Der schwer gefasste Entschluss (Grave - Allegro - Grave ma non troppo tratto - Allegro)

Tracks:

1. String Quartet No. 13 In B Flat, Op. 130: 1. Adagio ma non troppo - Allegro
2. String Quartet No. 13 In B Flat, Op. 130: 2. Presto
3. String Quartet No. 13 In B Flat, Op. 130: 3. Andante con moto ma non troppo. Poco scherzando
4. String Quartet No. 13 In B Flat, Op. 130: 4. Alla danza tedesca (Allegro assai)
5. String Quartet No. 13 In B Flat, Op. 130: 5. Cavatina (Adagio molto espressivo)
6. String Quartet No. 13 In B Flat, Op. 130: 6. Finale (Allegro)
7. 'Grosse Fuge' In B Flat For String Quartet, Op. 133: Overtura (Allegro) - Meno mosso e moderato - Allegro - Fuga

Tracks:

1. String Quartet No. 14 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: 1. Adagio ma non troppo e molto espressivo
2. String Quartet No. 14 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: 2. Allegro molto vivace
3. String Quartet No. 14 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: 3. Allegro moderato
4. String Quartet No. 14 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: 4. Andante ma non troppo e molto cantabile - Piu mosso - Andante moderato e lusinghiero - Adagio - Allegretto - Adagio, ma non troppo e semplice - Allegretto
5. String Quartet No. 14 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: 5. Presto
6. String Quartet No. 14 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: 6. Adagio quasi un poco andante
7. String Quartet No. 14 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: 7. Allegro

Tracks:

1. String Quartet No. 15 In A Minor, Op. 132: Assai sostenuto - Allegro - L.V. Beethoven
2. String Quartet No. 15 In A Minor, Op. 132: Allegro ma non tanto - L.V. Beethoven
3. String Quartet No. 15 In A Minor, Op. 132: 3. Canzona di ringraziamento (Molto adagio) - Sentendo nuova forza (Andante) - L.V. Beethoven
4. String Quartet No. 15 In A Minor, Op. 132: 4. Alla marcia, assai vivace - Piu allegro - Presto - L.V. Beethoven
5. String Quartet No. 15 In A Minor, Op. 132: 5. Allegro appassionato - L.V. Beethoven

Track Listings:

1. Satie
2. Scherchen Conducts Beethoven [Box set]
3. Shenandoah: An American Chorister, 1890-1990
4. Shostakovich: Symphony No7, Op60
5. Silueta
6. Symphony 8
7. Tchaikovsky: Symphony No6, Op74; Wagner: Siegfried Idyll in E WWV103
8. The Family Way
9. The Organ Works of J.S. Bach, Vol.4
10. The Organ Works of J.S. Bach, Vol.5

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Reverence the Sacrifice

Symphony 3 in C Minor

The Long Haul

Racing With the Moon

The Truest Form Of Flattery

The Soul Box [Box set]

Teaching Peace

Sor, Marschner and Werthmuller

Album Review: 25 Years

The Cannonball Adderley Quintet in San Francisco [Live]

The Real Thing

That's What I Go to School For [CD-single] [Import]

The Vinyl Resting Place

Walking In The Light

Ready Eddie