Lachner: String Quartets, Vol. 1

1. String Quartet in A major, Op 74
Composed by Ignaz Lachner
with Rodin Quartet

2. String Quartet in B flat major, Op. posth.
Composed by Ignaz Lachner
with Rodin Quartet

Lachner: String Quartets, Vol. 1,Ignaz Lachner,Rodin Quartet,Amati,Chamber,Chamber Music & Recitals,Classical,Quartet for Four String Instruments

Average customer rating: Fantastic recording of one of the greatest quartests written Fire-breathing dragon in F minor great and speedy service Excellent version First-rate at a cut-rate price.

Mendelssohn: String Quartets, Vol. 1 Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mendelssohn: String Quartets, Vol. 2 Mendelssohn: String Quartets, Vol. 3 Mendelssohn: Piano Trios Nos. 1 & 2 Mendelssohn: Octet, Op. 20; Quintet, Op. 87 Dvorák: String Quartets No. 10, Op. 51; No. 14, Op. 105 ASIN: B0000013ZF Release Date: 1994-10-04

Tracks:

1. String Quarter No. 6 in F Minor, Op. 80: Allegro assai - Presto
2. String Quarter No. 6 in F Minor, Op. 80: Allegro assai
3. String Quarter No. 6 in F Minor, Op. 80: Adagio
4. String Quarter No. 6 in F Minor, Op. 80: Finale: Allegro molto
5. String Quarter No. 3 in D Major, Op. 44: Molto allegro vivace
6. String Quarter No. 3 in D Major, Op. 44: Menuetto: Un poco Allegro
7. String Quarter No. 3 in D Major, Op. 44: Andante expressivo ma con moto
8. String Quarter No. 3 in D Major, Op. 44: Presto con brio
9. Capriccio in E Minor, Op. 81 No. 3: Andante con moto - Allegro fugato, assai vivace
10. Fugue in E Flat Major, Op. 81 No. 4: A tempo ordinario

Amazon.com

If you believe the Schwann Opus catalog--I don't!--this disc is the only survivor of a set of three containing Mendelssohn's complete string quartets. His quartets, like much of his music, aren't nearly as well known as they deserve to be. The Quartet in D, a substantial piece, reflects Mendelssohn's typical sunny personal and musical disposition. But his final quartet, written during the brief period between his sister's death and his own, is as starkly tragic a piece as anyone of the era composed. These performances, by members of the San Francisco Symphony, are among the best Mendelssohn ever recorded. The disc is a spectacular bargain. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic recording of one of the greatest quartests written.......2007-01-10

I should first confess that I have a pretty large soft spot for dark and complex chamber music so this is something I was naturally drawn to. With that out of the way, I consider Mendelssohn's string quartet #6 in F minor to be one of the finest chamber pieces ever composed, and the Aurora quartet's recording of it is my preferred version.

I could listen to the quartet in F minor and the capriccio in E minor on repeat for days... and admittedly have done so on multiple occasions.

Fire-breathing dragon in F minor.......2007-01-02

Along with Mozart and Saint Saens, Felix Mendelssohn was one of the genuine child prodigy composers in history. Although written long after his childhood years - and after painful, heartbreaking life experiences - Mendelssohn's F-minor string quartet (op. 80) here is one of the finest quartets from that era. Its a real fire-breathing dragon of a composition that was almost assuredly resulting from the traumatic circumstances of his beloved sister's death. It is a must for collectors of string quartets. The Aurora Quartet plays this piece brilliant and the Naxos sound engineering fully supports a powerful listening experience. If you have never heard this work, you might say like I did afterwards, "Holy Cow! That was amazing!" Oh yah, the other quartet and individual pieces that round out the CD are great too. The D major quartet has its own firey punch, happier themes along with gorgeous slow movements. Kudos to the Aurora Quartet for giving due honor to these great compositions with staturesque performances. A real winner here. Compositions - 5 stars; Performance - 5 stars; Sound - 5 stars.

great and speedy service.......2006-08-23

the price was right and the service was friendly and fast!

Excellent version.......2005-02-03

I have Vols 1 & 2 of the Aurora Quartet Naxos set and recommend them highly. The playing is expressive and technically this California ensemble is top notch. I often have problems with the quality of the Naxos label recordings. I'm happy to say this is not a problem with this set of recordings. By way of comparison, I have the Ysaye Quartet recording of Opp 12, 13 and 80 as well. The Ysaye are good and often exciting but sometimes astringent. Let's let my actions do the talking: I listen to the Aurora set almost exclusively now.

First-rate at a cut-rate price........2004-01-14

I'll only add to the mostly well-written reviews already submitted: I recommend this recording as a first resort for those who don't own any Mendelssohn quartets or those represented here and as a next resort for those who do. The playing and sound of this recording are superb in every respect; the performers and the composer are perfectly suited.

For those who don't know the Op. 80 quartet, you're in for a surprise. This is anguished music full of as much dissonance and rhythmic upheaval as the period would allow (especially the suspensions in the development of the first movement). I don't know of a piece of music more deserving of discovery, yet I've never seen it on a quartet program. One could claim to hear bits of Schubert's Quartettsatz or Beethoven's "Tragic", but this work is Mendelssohn's own, written during a period of great personal loss. For once, he has jettisoned decorum.

With this recording, Naxos is throwing diamonds at us.

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

Beethoven: Late Quartets, Vol. 2 Ludwig van Beethoven , and Quartetto Italiano Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD 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 Similar Items: Beethoven: The Late Quartets, Vol. 1 Brahms: The Complete Quintets Beethoven: The Late Piano Sonatas Beethoven: Die Späten Klaviersonaten Beethoven: Complete Music for Cello & Piano ASIN: B0000041FM Release Date: 1996-11-19

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating: A sage performance Brahms and Rubinstein At Their Best...

Brahms: Piano Quartets Op. 25 & Op. 60, Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 65 Manufacturer: RCA 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 Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 74 Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 67 Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 73 Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 66 Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 41 ASIN: B00005427M Release Date: 2001-08-07

Tracks:

1. Pno Qt No.1 in g, Op.25: Allegro
2. Pno Qt No.1 in g, Op.25: Intermezzo: Allegro Ma Non Troppo - Trio: Animato
3. Pno Qt No.1 in g, Op.25: Andante Con Moto - Animato
4. Pno Qt No.1 in g, Op.25: Rondo Alla Zingarese: Presto - Meno Presto - Molto Presto
5. Pno Qt No.3 in c, Op.60: Allegro Ma NonTroppo
6. Pno Qt No.3 in c, Op.60: Scherzo: Allegro
7. Pno Qt No.3 in c, Op.60: Andante
8. Pno Qt No.3 in c, Op.60: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

A sage performance.......2004-09-17

There are few pianists as universally admired and as venerable as Artur Rubinstein, and with good reason. Rubinstein wins over audiences with his charm and his assiduous determination to produce interpretations as close as possible to the heart of the music he happens to be playing at any given time. True, Rubinstein doesn't always provide the flashiest or the most pyrotechnically brilliant performances, but his integrity and his strength of purpose, permeating everything he touches, is nearly always beyond even the slightest reprehension.
This recording is no different. The performances of the piano quartets presented here demonstrate every such trait, with added touches of brilliance most discernable in the final movement of the Op. 25....and to play so at such an age! With the redoubtable Guarneris as his partners, Rubinstein produces deeply satisfying accounts of this wonderful repertoire. Indeed the works are a good match for Rubinstein, for Brahms was another man who valued character and quality of craft over ephemera. This disc is magnificent. In every way here is a match made in heaven.

Brahms and Rubinstein At Their Best..........2002-08-18

This is one of the wonderful fruits of the Rubinstein-Guarneri collaboration. It is bewildering that Rubinstein had to arrive nearly to the age of eighty before he could find "his" string quartet, after seventy-five or so years of extensive music making. Rubinstein is, as always, revealed as a suberp Brahms interpreter, and the Guarneris just as exciting. The performers show a deep grasp of Brahms's emotionality, harmonic complexity, and, most of all, finely articulated structure. The tempos are just right, unlike the second piano quartet (appearing on a seperate volume), where the first movement is rather slow (go for the Beaux Arts Trio). Together with the devine piano quintet OP. 34 (also on a seperate volume), these three performances are flawless executions of chamber masterworks. A must for every fan of romantic chamber music!

Average customer rating: Great music given it's due. The Best

Beethoven: The Late Quartets, Vol. 1 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 General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Beethoven: Late Quartets, Vol. 2 Beethoven: The Late Piano Sonatas Beethoven: Die Späten Klaviersonaten Brahms: The Complete Quintets Debussy, Ravel: Streichquartette ASIN: B0000041FL Release Date: 1997-01-28

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating: Often expressive and dramatic, at times a little plodding and not too concerned with architectural coherence A Fine Budget Version of Schubert's Last String Quartet A Beautiful Conclusion to This Series

Schubert Complete String Quartets Vol. 6: Quartet No. 15 (1826); Five German Dances with seven trios and a coda, D. 9 Manufacturer: Naxos 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 Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | 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. 3 Schubert: String Quartets (Complete), Vol. 1 Complete String Quartets 4 Schubert: String Quartets (Complete), Vol. 2 Schubert: Complete Quartets, Vol. 5 ASIN: B0009JMEHY Release Date: 2005-06-21

Tracks:

1. Allegro Molto Moderato
2. Andante Un Poco Moto
3. Scherzo: Allegro Vivace
4. Allegro Assai
5. No.1 In C Major
6. No.2 In G Major
7. No.3 In D Major
8. No.4 In F Major
9. No.5 In C Major

Customer Reviews:

Often expressive and dramatic, at times a little plodding and not too concerned with architectural coherence.......2006-08-14

In the 6th volume of its complete traversal of Schubert's compositions for string quartet on Naxos, the Kodaly Quartet brings together the great quartet opus 161, one of the last works of Schubert's desperately short life and one of his most poignant compositions, and an early rarity, written when he was 16, the 5 German Dances D. 90. The latter is written in a typically "gallant" style, with no great depth but full of charm. But the big nut on this CD is of course the 15th quartet.

In the first movement "Allegro molto moderato", the Kodaly Quartet is quite dramatic, very attentive to the movement diverse moods, from harrowing vehemence to hushed mystery, and nicely retains the dance-like lilt of the second theme; there is a price to pay, however, in the multiplication of tempo transitions, none of them prescribed by Schubert ; one senses musicians interested in immediate dramatic impact rather than architectural coherence. The second movement "Andante un poco moto" is taken by the Kodaly quartet at a very deliberate, not very "motorized" tempo (almost as slow as the Quartetto Italiano in their recording from 1976), making it sound more like an adagio in plaintive tone, almost a funeral march, with accents that evoke not so much cries of revolt or pain as moans; the approach is effective in its own way, but it is not exactly what Schubert wrote. And here again, in the more animated passages, the Kodalys do not hesitate to perceptibly accelerate tempo; Quartetto Italiano was more consistent in that respect.

Under the Kodaly's bows, the Scherzo's "Allegro vivace" (3rd movement) is not particularly vivacious, but nonetheless sufficiently light and full of bounce, as befits this musical invention which suggests the bumblebee's flight or the butterfly's flutter (and the elve's dance will do, too). The middle trio however is rather mawkish, and again the Kodalys imperceptibly speed up their tempo in the second part. Their Finale is somewhat disappointing, due to a tempo that is too deliberate to evoke the race to the abyss that others conjure (Gidon Kremer and friends on Sony take as much time to get through the movement - but with the repeat) and, while the ensemble's tone production until then had been not exceptional but unexceptionable, the 1st violin becomes a bit sour in its upper registers.

Not an exceptional version then, but at that price one that remains very acceptable.

A Fine Budget Version of Schubert's Last String Quartet.......2005-06-25

Schubert's 15th and last string quartet is one of his most important works. It was written between the 20th and the 30th of June 1826 (Schubert died in 1828, when he was only 31 years old). This quartet is an incredibly masterful display of emotional depth, extraordinary harmonic progressions, and sheer rhythmic impetus.

The first movement opens in a very direct fashion - it lacks the usual formal introduction. There are some ethereal soft echo effects here from the cello, accompanied by tremolos in the upper strings. Schubert knew he was dying at the time he wrote this music, and it is a very moving mixture of defiance, anguish and resignation. The second movement is a songful and serene night piece that is disturbed by two violent outbursts. Again the cello plays a very important part here, introducing the first plaintive motif and repeating the songful theme after each outburst. The scherzo, which is based on a quavering figure that is interspersed with some short spiccato themes, has been likened to a dance of elves. The finale was once described by writer J. A. Westrup as "a mad rondo, violent in rhythm and wild in harmony." Abrupt alternations between major and minor lead to some very unexpected harmonic progressions - this is Schubert at his most creative and audacious.

This budget stereo Naxos recording by the Kodaly Quartet concludes its survey of Schubert's string quartets. I feel this is the finest single-disc stereo version, and the inclusion of the lovely German Dances as a filler makes this CD a most attractive purchase. I certainly prefer the warm, mellow playing here by the Kodaly to the brash and rather hard-boiled Sony CD account by the Juilliard Quartet (I absolutely love the latter's Bartok & Schoenberg recordings, but they tend to be too assertive in Schubert). Likewise, I think the Kodaly's account is far better than the Lindsay Quartet's (ASV), which has some dreadfully out of tune playing (I have weeded both the Juilliard and the Lindsay recordings).

To my ears, the main stereo competition here is the extremely polished Quartetto Italiano (available in an inexpensive Philips "two-fer" of Schubert's four last quartets). While I prefer the latter, I'm also keeping the Kodaly (the German Dances, while brief, are pretty indispensable). If memory serves, an orchestrated version of the first Dance was used in a highly-effective way with other Schubert works (especially the Piano Trio #1) in Stanley Kubrick's brilliant film "Barry Lyndon."

However, this Vol. 6 of the Kodaly Quartet's Schubert is the only one in their series that I will be keeping. That's not to say that the series is in any way unattractive. But Schubert's first seven quartets are fairly early, immature works, and I can't see owning multiple versions of them. And there are simply better versions of the later quartets. All 15 quartets were once available on mono Westminster LPs from the early 1950's (in excellent sound). These were performed by the wonderful Vienna Konzerthaus Quartet (Kamper, Titze, Weiss and Kvarda), all of whose members were players in the Vienna Philharmonic under conductor Wilhelm Furtwangler. This remains my "desert island" version of the complete quartets (they have been issued on CDs in Japan on the MCA label).

The great Busch String Quartet (Adolf Busch, Gosta Andreassen, Karl Doktor, and Hermann Busch) recorded the "ne plus ultra" account of #8, a superb #14 (unfortunately, due to 78 rpm constraints, the latter is shorn of all the repeats), and #15. These are available, along with the Fantasie in C (Busch & Serkin) and the Piano Trio #1, on a Pearl CD set.

My personal favorites in the last three Schubert quartets:

#13. The Vienna Konzerthaus captures like no other ensemble the intensely Brucknerian span of this gorgeous work.

#14. In chronological order, my all-time favorites of this stunning masterpiece are the ORIGINAL 1927 Budapest Quartet (Emil Hauser, Joseph Roisman, Istvan Ipolyi, and Harry Son) on a hard to find Novello CD; the 1927/28 Capet Quartet (a reading of extraordinary spiritual purity on Biddulph); the heartbreakingly beautiful 1936 Busch Quartet (Pearl); the c. 1950 Vienna Konzerthaus (a uniquely warm and gemutlich account on Westminster LP and Japanese MCA CD); and the gloriously well-played c.1951 Hollywood Quartet (mine is on a Capitol LP).

#15. The Busch and the Vienna Konzerthaus are both supremely eloquent here, but my ultimate allegiance is to the latter's inimitable warmth and lyricism.

All of those versions are, of course, in monophonic sound. For a single CD version of #15 in good stereo sound, I feel this effort by the Kodaly Quartet is clearly the one to own.

Jeff Lipscomb

A Beautiful Conclusion to This Series.......2005-06-25

The Kodály Quartet has been slowly recording all of Schubert's string quartets and with this Volume 6 we come to the end. The CD contains Schubert's last finished quartet, No. 15 in G Major, D. 887, Op. 161, and the disc is filled out by Five German Dances, D. 90. The Kodály Quartet has more or less become the Naxos label's house quartet, having recorded large chunks of the central quartet literature for them. This is good, because not only are they a wonderful quartet, they are non-interventionist without being bland. String quartet playing is hard work and requires much slow, thoughtful study on the part of the players. It is to the Kodály's credit that they have taken a slow and steady course through the Schubert quartets, some of which they surely had never played before; the early apprentice works in particular are almost never played and yet the Kodály played them not only with musicianly respect but with love and admiration.

When we get to Schubert's last quartet, though, we have an undisputed masterpiece that every quartet worthy of the name plays. Its opening movement is one of the most marvelous (and harmonically complicated) works he ever composed. It takes fifteen minutes to play and works its magic in subtle ways. For instance, when it comes time for the recapitulation the first theme is changed from minor to major, and the second from major to minor. Had anyone ever thought to do that before? The minor key cello theme that opens the Andante is one of Schubert's patented melodies; it almost tears your heart out with its gentle pathos. In the Scherzo we are in familiar elfin Schubertian territory that evolves into ländlerisch folk dance rhythms in the Trio, gentle, not turbulent. And this prepares us for the high spirits of the Finale, a rowdy tarantella. The Kodály play this quartet with a maximum of relish, a minimum of gratuitous edge. They make this complex quartet what it is really meant to be, a thoroughly comprehensible compendium of 1826 quartet writing, easy on the ear and rewarding for the analytic mind. This is a beautiful performance worthy to stand beside any of the earlier treasured recordings (Busch, Alban Berg, Quartetto Italiano) this marvelous quartet has been afforded.

The disc is rounded out by five German Dances written when Schubert was sixteen. They are notable for their rough good humor. No. 4 lasts a mere 50 seconds but is infectious enough to have this listener up and stomping his feet in an enthusiastic approximation of dancing. The Kodály's approach is, fittingly, more rough and ready in these pieces than in the subtleties of the 15th Quartet, evidence that they are really entering into the spirit of the music itself rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

Although with a timing of only 59+ minutes, this CD is heartily recommended for its marvelous musicmaking.

Scott Morrison

Average customer rating:

Schubert: String Quartets (Complete), Vol. 3 Manufacturer: Naxos 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 Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Complete String Quartets 4 Schubert: Complete Quartets, Vol. 5 Schubert Complete String Quartets Vol. 6: Quartet No. 15 (1826); Five German Dances with seven trios and a coda, D. 9 Schubert: String Quartets (Complete), Vol. 2 Schubert: String Quartets (Complete), Vol. 1 ASIN: B00000HZOJ Release Date: 1999-01-19

Tracks:

1. Str Qt No.9 in g, D.173: Allegro Con Brio
2. Str Qt No.9 in g, D.173: Andantino
3. Str Qt No.9 in g, D.173: Menuetto/Allegro Vivace
4. Str Qt No.9 in g, D.173: Allegro
5. Str Qt No.7 in D, D.94: Allegro
6. Str Qt No.7 in D, D.94: Andante Con Moto
7. Str Qt No.7 in D, D.94: Menuetto/Allegretto
8. Str Qt No.7 in D, D.94: Presto
9. Str Qt No.3 in B-Flat, D.36: Allegro
10. Str Qt No.3 in B-Flat, D.36: Andante
11. Str Qt No.3 in B-Flat, D.36: Menuetto/Allegro Ma Non Troppo
12. Str Qt No.3 in B-Flat, D.36: Allegretto

Amazon.com

Few music lovers know Schubert's earlier string quartets, which were written for family use when he was in his teens. Even the latest of these works, the Quartet No. 9, dates only from Schubert's 18th year. That piece, by far the best music included here, has some real Schubertian qualities; the others are talented imitations of Mozart and Haydn. The Kodály Quartet plays all of this music with vigor and comprehension, and the performances are thoroughly satisfying. They are not as affectionate and songful as the much more expensive series by the Leipzig Quartet on MDG. For a casual investigation of the music, the Naxos disc is more than adequate. For the ultimate performances, go with MDG. --Leslie Gerber

Average customer rating: Superb Set of Three

Mendelssohn: String Quartets, Vol. 2 Felix Mendelssohn , and Aurora String Quartet Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mendelssohn: String Quartets, Vol. 1 Mendelssohn: String Quartets, Vol. 3 Mendelssohn: Piano Trios Nos. 1 & 2 Mendelssohn: Piano Trios Op. 49 & Op. 66 Mendelssohn: Octet, Op. 20; Quintet, Op. 87 ASIN: B0000013ZG Release Date: 1994-06-28

Tracks:

1. String Quartet No. 1 In E Flat Major, Op. 12: Adagio non troppo - Allegro non tardante
2. String Quartet No. 1 In E Flat Major, Op. 12: Canzonetta: Allegretto - Piu mosso
3. String Quartet No. 1 In E Flat Major, Op. 12: Andante espressivo - attacca
4. String Quartet No. 1 In E Flat Major, Op. 12: Molto allegro e vivace
5. String Quartet No. 4 In E Minor, Op. 44, No. 2: Allegro assai appassionato
6. String Quartet No. 4 In E Minor, Op. 44, No. 2: Scherzo: Allegro di molto
7. String Quartet No. 4 In E Minor, Op. 44, No. 2: Andante - attacca
8. String Quartet No. 4 In E Minor, Op. 44, No. 2: Presto agitato
9. String Quartet In E Flat Major: Allegro moderato
10. String Quartet In E Flat Major: Adagio non troppo
11. String Quartet In E Flat Major: Minuetto - Trio - Minuetto
12. String Quartet In E Flat Major: Fuga

Amazon.com

Play Mendelssohn's Quartet in E Flat for a music-loving friend, epecially the fugal finale, and ask him or her to guess the composer's age. This is another of those amazing products of Mendelssohn's early adolescence, written when the composer was 14. It's hardly ever performed and not often recorded, and it may not be the equal of Mendelssohn's mature Quartets. But it's a substantial piece and holds your interest, especially in the alert, charming performance on this disc. The two later Quartets are played equally well. This is a generously programmed (72-minute) CD, full of fine music in satisfying performances, and vividly recorded. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Superb Set of Three .......2007-04-18

I cannot say I am a huge fan of too many Naxos recordings, but the Aurora String Quartet series of quartets by the great child-prodigy composer Felix Mendelssohn is certainly a star. The lead Amazon reviewer summarized it well - superb music, beautiful tonality and passionately played and excellent sound dynamics. This is fine, deeply satisfying quartet playing of very well-written compositions. Even the earliest work (Op. 12) is wonderous in its conception. In some ways, their playing reminds me of the great Alban Berg Quartet for its refined sensibilities. If you are already familiar with the string quartets of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert, by all means do not neglect these gems from the same era. Suggest starting with Vol. 1 then Vol. 2 and finally Vol. 3. 5 stars on all levels.

Average customer rating:

Nielsen: String Quartets, Vol. 1 [Hybrid SACD] Manufacturer: Da Capo [Naxos] ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Nielsen | Nielsen, Carl | ( N ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Carl Nielsen, Orchestral Music Peter Lieberson: Neruda Songs ASIN: B000NOIWO4 Release Date: 2007-04-24

Average customer rating:

Rihm: String Quartets Vol. 4 Manufacturer: Col Legno ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Rihm, Wolfgang | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Wolfgang Rihm: String Quartets, Vol. 3 (Nos. 7-9) Wolfgang Rihm: String Quartets, Vol. 2 (Nos. 5 & 6) Wolfgang Rihm: String Quartets, Volume 1 Brian Ferneyhough: Flurries; String Trio; In nomine a 3; Streichtrio; Incipits Brian Ferneyhough: Funérailles ASIN: B000FI9OJA Release Date: 2006-05-30

Average customer rating: Great music, performaces, and recording First rate recording - excellent musicianship and sound

Shostakovich: String Quartets (Complete), Vol. 4 Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Shostakovich | Shostakovich, Dmitri | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Shostakovich: String Quartets (Complete), Vol. 5 Shostakovich: String Quartets (Complete), Vol. 3 Shostakovich: String Quartets (Complete), Vol. 6 Shostakovich: String Quartets (Complete), Vol. 1 Shostakovich: String Quartets (Complete), Vol. 2 ASIN: B00000141J Release Date: 1996-04-23

Tracks:

1. String Quartet No. 2 In A Major, Op. 68: Overture: Moderato con moto
2. String Quartet No. 2 In A Major, Op. 68: Recitativo And Romance: Adagio
3. String Quartet No. 2 In A Major, Op. 68: Valse: Allegro
4. String Quartet No. 2 In A Major, Op. 68: Theme With Variations: Adagio-Moderato con moto
5. String Quartet No. 12 In D Flat Major, Op. 133: Moderato - Allegretto
6. String Quartet No. 12 In D Flat Major, Op. 133: Allegretto

Amazon.com

Shostakovich's orchestral and instrumental works often blend traditional classical with Baroque musical forms. The second quartet has four movements like a traditional symphony or string quartet, but the forms of those movements are all closely related to the Baroque dance suite: there's an impressive overture, followed by an operatic recitative and romance, a lively waltz, and a final theme and variations. Quartet No. 12, by contrast, is in two large movements, a short opening in moderate tempo, and a huge finale nearly 20 minutes long. It's a much darker piece than the Second Quartet, though both are very well played and recorded as part of this fine survey of all the Shostakovich Quartets. Budget price, too. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Great music, performaces, and recording.......2006-03-07

This is a 5-star CD. Two of the composer's best quartets in beautiful performances with excellent recording quality. The Eder Quartet's Shostakovich series is terrific!

First rate recording - excellent musicianship and sound.......1999-11-16

This recording is the new benchmark. The Eder Quartet can hold its head high against any comer s- especially at this price. Fresh and vital recording.

Track Listings:

1. Landler for Piano
2. Maurice Ravel: Musique Symphonique
3. Messe de Tournai, XIVe siècle
4. Mozart: Complete Keyboard Stas I
5. Mozart: Piano Concert Nos.20 & 23
6. Mozart: Piano Concertos: No. 11 in F Major, KV 413; No. 12 in A Major, KV 414; No. 13 in C Major, KV 415
7. Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 21 & 27; Clarinet Concerto
8. Nordic Tunes for Flute & Harp
9. North Italian Music for Cornetts and Trombones, 1580-1650
10. Opening Day

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Rhapsody in Black [Import]

Unfinished Mass / Elegie

The Billie Holiday Story [Box set] [Import]

Music: I Believe in Music

The Undiscovered: Modern Classics

Untitled [Import]

Twila Paris - Greatest Hits

Toussaint: Suites

The Very Best of Janie Fricke

The Salsa Never Ends

Time Capsule - Mixes: Hallucinating Pluto [CD-single]

Welcome to My Day [Import]

Undercover

Beethoven: Diabelli Variations/Bagatelles Op.119

Chocolate & Ice