Borodin: String Quartets 1 & 2

1. String Quartet No. 1 in A major
Composed by Alexander Borodin
with Alexander Korchagin

2. String Quartet No. 2 in D major
Composed by Alexander Borodin
with Alexander Korchagin

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 12 In F Major, Op. 96 'American': I. Allegro ma non troppo
String Quartet No. 12 In F Major, Op. 96 'American': 2. Lento
String Quartet No. 12 In F Major, Op. 96 'American': 3. Molto vivace
String Quartet No. 12 In F Major, Op. 96 'American': 4. Finale: Vivace, ma non troppo
String Quartet No. 1 In D Major, Op. 11: 1. moderato e semplice
String Quartet No. 1 In D Major, Op. 11: 2. Andante cantabile
String Quartet No. 1 In D Major, Op. 11: 3. Scherzo: Allegro non tanto -- Trio
String Quartet No. 1 In D Major, Op. 11: 4. Finale: Allegro giusto - Allegro vivace
String Quartet No. 2 In D Major: 1. Allegro moderato
String Quartet No. 2 In D Major: 2. Scherzo: Allegro
String Quartet No. 2 In D Major: 3. Notturno: Andante
String Quartet No. 2 In D Major: 4. Finale: Andante - Vivace

Amazon.com

The Emersons offer one of the very best accounts of the popular American Quartet on disc. It is dramatic, exuberant, persuasive, and right to the point--a well-paced reading full of ravishing details (like the dueting of the violins in the slow movement) that has been beautifully recorded. Originally made for Book-of-the-Month Club in 1984, the recording was later picked up by DG and first released in the U.S. in 1990. For this reissue, it has been coupled with equally well-played accounts of quartets by Borodin and Tchaikovsky, which makes for an especially well-filled CD. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Streamlined from Russia -- not for everyone.......2007-07-01

The string quartets of Dvorak and Borodin are among the lushest and easy-to-listen music in the genre, romanticism for every ear. Because of the hummable tunes in the Borodin 2nd (lifted wholesale to become part of the Broadway musical, Kismet) and the folsy vigor of Dvorak's "American" Quartet #12, most performers emphasize this lushness. Not the Emersons, whose readings here are clean and streamlined. They don't dig deep into the wood the way the Alban berg Qt. do. Their is the patented Emerson virtuosity at work, though, with impeccable intonation and matched timbres.

For me, the effect was refreshing, particularly in the Borodin, which hwere gets a performance that never threatens to become gooey. The Dvorak is a mite too efficient and far removed form its folk inspiration, yet still impressive technically. Its buoyancy creates a great deal of enjoyment. I've never been able to warm up to Tchaikovsky's quartet writing, but here again the Emersons go for clean lines over Russian luxuriousness.

In all, a very appealing CD that groups three favorites in vintage Emerson Qt. performances. Very good sound, too.

What an artificial performance it is!.......2007-02-17

Dvorak is just okay. Not a superior performance to their rivals, but it's just about the average. Nothing special. Nothing to comment.
Tchaikovsky? Again, no noteworthy point to make here.
Borodin? This is certainly one of the poorest performance of this music on the CD that I've ever heard. The problem is the Notturno movent.
here we have something very unpleasant music making here. The Emersons probably think that the movement is to be played with full of emotion and involvement. They may be right. But, playing this popular movement with emotional involvement does not mean that it is to be played very slowly and dully. What are they aiming at? What are they "thinking" when they treat this movement in a totally no-brainer way?

They are probaly perfect in terms of their technical flawless. But I always witness thet they do not seem to have found the way to play certain music. In short words, no attachment, no careful studying of the score, no soul. There only remains an artificial performance of the music. Good pretenders, but single CD from them has never moved me.
Beethoven quartets set was another joke.

Well.... but I cannot live without their Schostakovich. Yes, they are all not that bad anyway.

BTW, if it comes down to Borodin's second quartet, the Cleveland Quartet is my first pick.

Disappointing for the Emerson String Quartet.......2006-07-19

The Emerson String Quartet, no matter what some believe, is technically and artistically one of the best quartets in the world. This album, however, is not one of their best. The playing is somewhat lethargic, and the quartets themselves, while being somewhat popular (particularly the Borodin), are not masterpieces within the genre.

The Dvorak is fine, a 4 star effort. The Tchaikovsky is only average. The Borodin is, well, something else. The Emerson plays it to appeal to a crowd who can only appreciate "pops classical styling."

When listening to the Borodin all I hear is the advertisement for the World's Most Beautiful Music" collection, (just send in your $ for some CD's containing classical music played by various studio orchestras.) This, I find, is perhaps the most distracting aspect of the music. I don't hear the quartet. I hear the advertisement instead. So perhaps I am being unfair to the Emerson String Quartet on this one. It might be the same as thinking about "A Clockwise Orange" when listening to Beethoven's ninth.

But even barring the Borodin, the other two quartets just don't quite measure up to what I expect to hear from this wonderful quartet.

A genuine surprise........2006-03-16

Though I'd heard of Borodin before, I hadn't realized what a wonderful composer he truly was. The second movement of his second quartet is revelatory, and this recording of it (compared to others I've heard since) is definitive for its clarity, tenderness, and directness of expression.

Excellent music, excellent renditions.......2005-06-28

Most people viewing this item probably haven't heard of Borodin before, and I must assure such people that the Borodin quartet on this recording is more than worth listening to! The star of these three compositions is, of course, the American quartet, which is legendary. Though I haven't listened to any other performers playing the quartet, the Emerson Quartet's sound is exquisite, with each detail executed to perfection. You can't expect much else - the Emerson Quartet is always great.

I usually don't like Tchaikovsky, but the quartet on this recording is wonderfully melodic. And together, these three quartets on one CD make for one great purchase.

Great sound, great performance, great music - at a great price. What else could you ask for?

Average customer rating:

Lush & Exalted
A superb recording of the Borodin quartets
Priceless.
Run out now and buy! (Or e-mail now and buy...)
No. 1 is number one!

Borodin: String Quartets Nos 1 & 2
Borodin String Quartet , and Alexander Borodin
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Borodin: Symphony No.2/In The Steppes Of Central Asia/Prince Igor
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Tchaikovsky: String Quartets Nos. 1 - 3/Souvenir De Florence

ASIN: B000002ROX
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 1 In A: First Movement: Moderato - Allegro
String Quartet No. 1 In A: Second Movement: Andante con moto
String Quartet No. 1 In A: Third Movement: Scherzo (Prestissimo)
String Quartet No. 1 In A: Fourth Movement: Andante - Allegro risoluto
String Quartet No. 2 In D: First Movement: Allegro moderato
String Quartet No. 2 In D: Second Movement: Scherzo (Allegro)
String Quartet No. 2 In D: Third Movement: Notturno (Andante)
String Quartet No. 2 In D: Fourth Movement: Finale (Andante - Vivace)

Amazon.com

The Borodin Quartet plays the music of its namesake as to the manner born. Theirs is a beautiful, lush realization of this lyrical work, polished and full of nuance, and well-served by the 1980 analog recording. The coupling with Borodin's First Quartet is especially attractive. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Lush & Exalted.......2007-02-11

How else can one describe this incredibly soulful, beautiful recording of Borodin's string quartets (A & D Major)? In this case, Borodin (and the similarly-named quartet) proved the experts wrong in the common saying that the minor is richer than the major. Every movement is a gem played with heartfelt devoltion to the music and the man. The melodic lines are stunning, almost bitter sweet in their mournful rise and fall. The sheer inventiveness of the composer is apparent throughout. In other words, run (don't walk) to your nearest store and purchase this CD or but it off Amazon.

This is not a cerebral (think Emerson Quartet) but a soulful performace, straight from the Grand Age of Composers when performers were called gentlemen and the audience had a knowledge of the music. As in all good quartets, there are no "standout" performances, just a seamless cohesion between the members. If anyone thinks this is recording is an exception they are mistaken. The Shoshtakovitch has as much heart (if not soul). An old tale circulates (confirmation?) that the artist (Shoshtakovitch) worked with the quartet during the process of composition, experimenting for the right sound(s). Beethoven is given a rich Romantic treatment (particularly the Große Fuge) and that is the way I always think of this group - an aristocratic, ensemble specializing in the type of music that they love - Brahms, Schubert, Tchaikovsky, Rachmoninov.

My Grade: A+

A superb recording of the Borodin quartets.......2007-01-09

Everyone here (a large family gathering)who has heard this recording over the Christmas period has been very impressed with its quality. I would strongly recommend it.
John Fothergill

Priceless........2006-12-29

Borodin requires emotion, strength, and an understanding of both joy and melancholy. Originally recorded in 1980 by MELODIYA, the musicians and the recording quality go far beyond expectations. This is truly music for the heart.

Run out now and buy! (Or e-mail now and buy...).......2006-11-01

This is one of those discs that is just so incredible that all classical music lovers must own it.

The writing is very intense and beautiful (and from a part-timer, at that!) and the playing by the BSQ is peerless. The sound quality is also excellent.

No. 1 is number one!.......2006-03-02

Does this recording live up to the rave reviews here on Amazon and elsewhere?
The answer, quite simply put, is yes.
BUT, am I the only person on this planet who believes the 1st string quartet to be the equal of, or superior to the 2nd? Sure, the 2nd has the sublime 3rd movement that we have all heard a million times, but just listen to the 3rd movement of the 1st quartet. You will not believe your ears upon hearing what appears to be an organ and glass harmonica, only to realize that it is in fact a STRING QUARTET!!!
This effect, achieved by Borodin, is one of the most surreal, ethereal, and novel sections of music ever conceived.
Why these quartets, especially the 1st, are not more popular is beyond me.
My life has been greatly enriched by this recording, and it's one of those rare musical experiences that makes you think "How did I survive all those years without this music in my head?"
Anyone whose music collection lacks this wonderful recording is not living life to its fullest.
Highly recommended.
Enjoy!

Tchaikovsky: String Quartets Nos. 1 - 3/Souvenir De Florence

Average customer rating:

Great playing, amazing music, unbalanced recording
All-star performance of some sadly neglected music

Tchaikovsky: String Quartets Nos. 1 - 3/Souvenir De Florence

Manufacturer: Teldec
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Borodin: String Quartets Nos 1 & 2
Smetana: Má vlast
Dvorák: The String Quartets
Tchaikovsky: Complete Suites for Orchestra
Beethoven: String Quartets

ASIN: B000000SIT
Release Date: 1993-11-02

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 1 In D Major, Op. 11: Moderato e semplice
String Quartet No. 1 In D Major, Op. 11: Andante cantabile
String Quartet No. 1 In D Major, Op. 11: Scherzo: Allegro non tanto e con fuoco
String Quartet No. 1 In D Major, Op. 11: Finale: Allegro giusta
String Quartet In B Flat Major: Adagio misterioso - Allegro con moto - Adagio misterioso
Souvenir de Florence (Sextet In D Minor, op. 70): Allegro con spirito
Souvenir de Florence (Sextet In D Minor, op. 70): Adagio cantabile e con moto
Souvenir de Florence (Sextet In D Minor, op. 70): Allegretto moderato
Souvenir de Florence (Sextet In D Minor, op. 70): Allegro vivace

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 2 In F Major, Op. 22: Adagio - Moderato assai
String Quartet No. 2 In F Major, Op. 22: Scherzo: Allegro giusto
String Quartet No. 2 In F Major, Op. 22: Andante ma non tanto
String Quartet No. 2 In F Major, Op. 22: Finale: Allegro con moto
String Quartet No. 3 In E-Flat Minor, Op. 30: Andante sostenuto
String Quartet No. 3 In E-Flat Minor, Op. 30: Allegretto vivo e scherzando
String Quartet No. 3 In E-Flat Minor, Op. 30: Andante funebre e doloroso, ma con moto
String Quartet No. 3 In E-Flat Minor, Op. 30: Finale: Allegro non troppo e risoluto

Customer Reviews:

Great playing, amazing music, unbalanced recording.......2005-10-24

My comment will only focus on the recording as I cannot agree more with other reviewers as far as interpretation and music are concerned.

The teldec engineers have focused on the violins and forgotten that a quartet is a balanced ensemble and thus viola and cello are not accompaniement. Their bias damages the final result and suppress the rich interplay Borodin has been renown for. For instance in the fugue of the second quartet last mvt, the cello is barely audible and all ears are on the violins. The result of this takes its toll when the reverberent acoustics saturates the microphones in some powerful zingers shooting.

It also makes the listening tiring as you have to extract the other instruments lines from the soloists... So 4 stars when it should have been a no brainer 5!

(listening was made on professional JBL studio monitors, Bryston amps and Linn source)

All-star performance of some sadly neglected music.......2005-09-23

I am a huge fan of the Borodin quartet. I had heard Schubert's quintet performed by the Emerson Quartet, and after hearing the same piece performed by the Borodin Quartet, I was blown away by how overrated the Emerson ensemble is.
That Tchaikovsky's chamber music doesn't receive the fanfare it deserves is understandable; the composer's orchestral works are so widely acclaimed that it tends to cast a shadow over the rest of his oeuvre. However, these are worth a purchase for sure. Tchaikovsky was a master of music writing for strings, and this medium lets him show off his virtuosic side with more ease than the symphonic medium. My bias towards fugues predisposes me to the 2nd quartet and the Souvenir de Florence and their contrapuntal finales; but that is not to say they stand alone on this 2 disc set. Each of the Quartets, as well as the Souvenir de Florence, are filled with charming melodies, folk music overtones, and the driving, rhythmic and dynamic writing style typical of a composer so celebrated for these techniques. The set also includes the B-Flat quartet, a work without opus but nonetheless a nice addition.
The recording is impeccable, as are all of the Borodin's efforts on the Teldec label. If you find yourself interested in Tchaikovsky's chamberworks after listening to these little-known masterpieces, you should check out his Piano Trio, a monstrous piece at nearly 50 minutes in length but well worth your time.

Beethoven: String Quartets - Borodin String Quartet (4 CDs)

Average customer rating:

Beethoven: String Quartets - Borodin String Quartet (4 CDs)

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tchaikovsky: String Quartets Nos. 1 - 3/Souvenir De Florence
Twelfth Night: or, What You Will (Signet Classics)

ASIN: B000090WCC
Release Date: 2003-02-10

Tracks:

I Allegro
II Allegretto Vivace E Sempre Scherzando
III Adagio Molto E Mesto
IV Theme Russe: Allegro
I Introduzione: Andante Con Moto - Allegro Vivace
II Andante Con Moto - Allegro Vivace
III Menuetto: Grazioso
IV Allegro Molto

Tracks:

I Allegro Con Brio
II Allegretto Ma Non Troppo
III Allegro Assai Ma Serioso - Piu Allegro
IV Larghetto Espressivo - Allegro Agitato - Allegro
I Assai Sostenuto - Allegro
II Allegro Ma Non Tanto
III Molto Adagio, Andante ('Heiliger Dankgesang Eines Genesenen An Die Gottheit, In Der Lydischen Tonart'
IV Alla Marcia, Assai Vivace - Piu Allegro
V Allegro Appassionato

Tracks:

I Allegro Ma Non Tanto
II Scherzo: Andante Scherzoso Quasi Allegretto
III Menuetto: Allegretto
IV Allegro - Prestissimo
I Allegro
II Menuetto
III Andante Cantabile
IV 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)
Grosse Fuge In B Flat Major, Op. 133
VI Finale (Allegro)

Average customer rating:

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

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

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

ASIN: B00008WQB4
Release Date: 2003-05-20

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating:

Tchaikovsky String Quartets
Great performances
Inconsistent

Tchaikovsky: Complete String Quartets

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Schumann: String Quartets, Op. 41 / Eroica Quartet
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Haydn: String Quartets, Opp. 51, 54, 55, 64, 71, 74
Haydn: Piano Trios (Complete) [Box Set]
Mendelssohn: The Complete String Quartets / Emerson String Quartet

ASIN: B00005043D
Release Date: 2001-01-23

Tracks:

Str Qt Movt in B flat: Adagio Misterioso - Allegro Con Moto
Str Qt No.1 in D, Op.11: I. Moderato E Semplice
Str Qt No.1 in D, Op.11: II. Andante Cantabile
Str Qt No.1 in D, Op.11: III. Scherzo. Allegro Non Tanto E Con Fuoco
Str Qt No.1 in D, Op.11: IV. Finale. Allegro Giusto
Str Qt No.2 in F, Op.22: I. Adagio - Moderato Assai
Str Qt No.2 in F, Op.22: II. Scherzo. Allegro Giusto
Str Qt No.2 in F, Op.22: III. Andante Ma Non Tanto
Str Qt No.2 in F, Op.22: IV. Finale. Allegro Con Moto

Tracks:

Str Qt No.3 in e flat, Op.30: I. Andante Sostenuto - Allegro Moderato
Str Qt No.3 in e flat, Op.30: II. Allegretto Vivo E Scherzando
Str Qt No.3 in e flat, Op.30: III. Andante Funebre E Doloroso Ma Con Moto
Str Qt No.3 in e flat, Op.30: IV. Finale. Allegro Non Troppo E Risoluto
Souvenir De Florence in d, Op.70: I. Allegro Con Spirito - Borodin Qt/Genrikh Talalyan/Mstislav Rostropovich
Souvenir De Florence in d, Op.70: II. Adagio Cantabile E Con Moto - Borodin Qt/Genrikh Talalyan/Mstislav Rostropovich
Souvenir De Florence in d, Op.70: III. Allegretto Moderato - Borodin Qt/Genrikh Talalyan/Mstislav Rostropovich
Souvenir De Florence in d, Op.70: IV. Allegro Vivace - Borodin Qt/Genrikh Talalyan/Mstislav Rostropovich

Customer Reviews:

Tchaikovsky String Quartets.......2007-05-25

This recording of Tchaikovsky's three String Quartets by the Borodin Quartet (including the incomparable late cellist Mstislav Rostropovich) is superb in every way. If you're looking for a recording, this is it!

Great performances.......2007-04-13

I'm a little surprised by the last reviewer's dismissiveness. These are really first rate recordings with quartet no 1 and the invigorating Souvenir de Florence standing out in particular. The playing is muscular and deeply felt throughout - sure it may not be perfect but that, somehow, is not the point. Don't take my word for it though, have a listen yourself! These are widely loved recordings and you should not take one person's word for it!

Inconsistent.......2005-03-21

The Borodin's recording of the Shostakovich quartets is the historical benchmark performance. This recording of Tchaikovsky's is sadly not as well prepared. The quartet is out of tune at several points throughout the set, and at some points the energy and intensity lag. Other spots are incredibly exciting and come off very effectively, though in my opinion you'd be better off finding a more contemporary recording.

Average customer rating:

PERFECTION

Borodin: String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Essential Borodin
Shostakovich: String Quartets 1-13
Borodin: String Quartets Nos 1 & 2
Beethoven: String Quartets
Saint-Saëns: Piano Trios

ASIN: B00005TNXX
Release Date: 2002-01-22

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 1 In A Major: I Moderato - Allegro
String Quartet No. 1 In A Minor: II Andante Con Moto - Fugato. Un Poco Piu Mosso
String Quartet No. 1 In A Minor: III Scherzo. Prestissimo
String Quartet No. 1 In A Minor: IV Andante - Allegro Risoluto
String Quartet No. 2 In D Major: I Allegro Moderato
String Quartet No. 2 In D Major: II Scherzo. Allegro
String Quartet No. 2 In D Major: III Notturno. Andante
String Quartet No. 2 In D Major: IV Finale. Andante - Vivace

Amazon.com

Alexander Borodin was one of those remarkable people who can pursue several equally successful careers. He studied various instruments as a boy, began to compose in his teens, and became famous in music, chemistry, and medicine. His two quartets are thoroughly romantic. The first, heard less frequently, is never less than pleasant and often felicitous, with many lovely melodies; a mournful, very Russian slow movement; and a scintillating, feathery Scherzo, whose Trio, primarily in harmonics, has a celestial sound.

The second quartet is greatly superior and more concise, the thematic material more inspired and better developed. It is famous for its slow movement, "Notturno," a tender, rapturous dialogue between cello and first violin, which has been described as a love scene between Borodin and his wife of 20 years, to whom the work is dedicated. Toward the end, however, it suddenly becomes melancholy, as if in foreboding: Borodin died six years later, only 55 years old.

The playing here is breathtakingly beautiful. The date of the original recording is not mentioned, though on the picture the players look very young. The Quartet was formed by its leader, Rostislav Dubinsky, and cellist Valentin Berlinsky in 1945; the other two members joined in the early '50s. These are the musicians heard on this disc; they played together until 1975, when Dubinsky emigrated to America. The four players are absolutely equal. Their technical command is complete, their ensemble seamlessly integrated, their tone flawlessly pure, smooth as silk, and warm as velvet; the first violin soars radiantly. They bring out every mood and nuance with deep, inward expressiveness, but with a noble restraint that precludes sentimentality; they hardly slide and never exaggerate. The Quartet still exists, but Berlinsky is the only original member left. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

PERFECTION.......2003-08-03

We sometimes get what we pay for, and this is one of those times. Except in the unlikely event that the music does not appeal to you, this is one of those records that can be honestly recommended without reservation. These quartets are heavenly stuff -- for sheer sustained beauty of sound they are in a very special league. The recording is magnificent, and as for the performances just think of any adulatory cliche and it will be true. Admittedly this disc has some spare capacity on it, and it looks as if the quartets are available separately in combination with a variety of other items on better-filled records. I prefer to have them just for and by themselves.

Average customer rating:

Mystical magical Borodin quartets

Borodin: String Quartets Nos. 1 and 2

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Schubert: String Quartets (Complete), Vol. 1
Haydn: String Quartets Op. 76, Nos. 1-3
Vivaldi's Cello

ASIN: B0000013ZB
Release Date: 1994-12-13

Tracks:

Moderato - Allegro
Andante Con Moto
Scherzo: Prestissimo
Allegro Risoluto
Allegro Moderato
Scherzo: Allegro
Notturno: Andante
Andante - Vivace

Customer Reviews:

Mystical magical Borodin quartets.......2007-05-12

Smooth, sleek yet beautifully defined performances of two string quartets that are among the composer's best works. I can't imagine more satisfying performances. I play this disc frequently with great pleasure. Freeman Gunter