Beethoven: Quartet Op. 131

1. String Quartet No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 131
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
with Lindsay String Quartet

Tracks:

Op. 18 No. 1 In F Major: I: Allegro Con Brio - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 18 No. 1 In F Major: II: Adagio Affettuoso Ed Appassionato - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 18 No. 1 In F Major: III: Scherzo (Allegro Molto) & Trio - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 18 No. 1 In F Major: IV: Allegro - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 59 No. 1 In F Major 'Rasumovsky': I: Allegro - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 59 No. 1 In F Major 'Rasumovsky': II: Allegretto Vivace E Sempre Scherzando - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 59 No. 1 In F Major 'Rasumovsky': III: Adagio molto e mesto : IV: Allegro (Th russe) - Alban Berg Quartett

Tracks:

Op. 18 No.2 In G Major: I: Allegro - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 18 No.2 In G Major: II: Adagio cantabile - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 18 No.2 In G Major: III: Scherzo (Allegro) & Trio - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 18 No.2 In G Major: IV: Allegro molto, quasi presto - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 18 No. 6 In B Flat Major: I: Allegro con brio - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 18 No. 6 In B Flat Major: II: Adagio, ma non troppo - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 18 No. 6 In B Flat Major: III: Scherzo (Allegro) & Trio - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 18 No. 6 In B Flat Major: IV: Adagio (La Malinconia) - Allegretto quasi Allegro - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 135 In F Major: I: Allegretto - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 135 In F Major: II: Vivace - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 135 In F Major: III: Lento assai, cantante e tranquillo - Alban Berg Quartett
Op. 135 In F Major: IV: Grave, ma non troppo tratto - Allegro - Alban Berg Quartett

Tracks:

Op. 18 No. 3 In D Major: I. Allegro
Op. 18 No. 3 In D Major: II. Andante con moto
III. Allegro
Op. 18 No. 3 In D Major: IV. Presto
Op. 18 No. 5 in A Major: I. Allegro
Op. 18 No. 5 in A Major: II. Menuetto & Trio
Op. 18 No. 5 in A Major: III. Andante cantabile
Op. 18 No. 5 in A Major: IV. Allegro
Op. 95 In F Minor: I. Allegro con brio
Op. 95 In F Minor: II. Allegretto ma non troppo
Op. 95 In F Minor: III: Allegro assai vivace, ma serioso

Tracks:

Op. 18 No. 4 In C Minor: I. Allegro ma non tanto
Op. 18 No. 4 In C Minor: II. Scherzo (Andante scherzoso quasi Allegretto)
Op. 18 No. 4 In C Minor: III. Menuetto (Allegretto) & Trio
Op. 18 No. 4 In C Minor: IV. Allegro
Op. 130 in B flat Major: I. Adagio ma non troppo - Allegro
Op. 130 in B flat Major: II. Presto
Op. 130 in B flat Major: III. Andante con moto, ma non troppo
Op. 130 in B flat Major: IV. Alla danza tedesca (Allegro assai)
Op. 130 in B flat Major: V Cavatina (Adagio molto espressivo)
Grosse Fuge In B Flat Major, Op. 133
Op. 130 in B flat Major: VI. Finale (Allegro)

Tracks:

Op. 59 No. 2 In E Minor 'Rasumovsky': I: Allegro
Op. 59 No. 2 In E Minor 'Rasumovsky': II: Molto Allegro
Op. 59 No. 2 In E Minor 'Rasumovsky': III: Allegretto
Op. 59 No. 2 In E Minor 'Rasumovsky': IV: Finale (Presto)
Op. 127 In E Flat Major: I: Maaestoso - Allegro
Op. 127 In E Flat Major: II: Adagio ma non troppo, molto cantabile
Op. 127 In E Flat Major: III: Scherzando vivace
Op. 127 In E Flat Major: IV: Finale

Tracks:

Op. 59 No. 3 In C Major 'Rasumovsky': I: Introduzione (Andante con moto) - Allegro vivace
Op. 59 No. 3 In C Major 'Rasumovsky': II: Andante con moto quasi allegretto
Op. 59 No. 3 In C Major 'Rasumovsky': III: Menuetto (Grazioso) & Trio
Op. 131 In C Sharp Minor: I: Adagio ma non troppo e molto espressivo
Op. 131 In C Sharp Minor: II: Allegro molto vivace
Op. 131 In C Sharp Minor: III: Allegro moderato
Op. 131 In C Sharp Minor: IV: Andante ma non troppo e molto cantabile
Op. 131 In C Sharp Minor: V: Presto
Op. 131 In C Sharp Minor: VI: Adagio quasi un poco andante
Op. 131 In C Sharp Minor: VI: Adagio quasi un poco andante

Tracks:

Op. 74 In E Flat Major 'Harp': I Poco adagio - Allegro - Beethoven
Op. 74 In E Flat Major 'Harp': II. Adagio ma non troppo - Beethoven
Op. 74 In E Flat Major 'Harp': III. Presto - Beethoven
Op. 74 In E Flat Major 'Harp': IV: Allegretto con Variazioni - Beethoven
Op.132 In A Minor: I: Allegro sostenuto - Allegro - Beethoven
Op.132 In A Minor: II: Allegro ma non tanto - Beethoven
Op.132 In A Minor: III: Molto adagio - Beethoven
Op.132 In A Minor: IV: Alla marcia, assai vivace - Beethoven

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful Beethoven cycle.......2007-06-18

This is a fine recording, remastered for the reissue. Intelligent, driving, finely played. Excellent musicianship. Buy it. You won't be sorry you did.

A LONG TIME COMING AT THIS PRICE .......2007-06-02

On LP I own any number of complete Beethoven String Quartets by the great masters of that genre. I bought them all as a teenager and in college. When I started buying CDs a complete Beethoven set for over $100 by a great quartet became out of my price range at the time. To find the Berg Quartet, (a favorite group of mine), surveying these great works at this price from Amazon is one of the best bargains going.

I went immediately to Op. 135 and found it marvelous in concept, execution and recording. I've now listened to almost all the quartets, and the consistency is wonderful. Because I'm in the business I'm using only high end professional equipment for playback and the sound is truly "You Are There". The recordings capture the upper overtones of all the instruments without the least harhsness, no mean feat. The blend of the group and the hall is articulated in a way that happens on only a very few recordings. Ocassionally one can hear a minor difference in what might be placement of microphones, even from movement to movement. This could, in fact, be the result of a temperature or humidity change in the recording venue. You have to pay very close attention to notice this and it does nothing to diminish these sonic wonders) Worth thrice the price.

What more can be said?.......2007-02-03

There are many wonderful performances of these remarkable pieces. Which is the finest? Only God, in his wisdom, will ever be able to answer such a question, but I'm sure with his celestial headphones on he'll be listening to the Alban Berg Quartet. For me this quartet is able to "read" each individual quartet with such clarity, from the light hearted humor of the Op.18 to the intense and darkly passionate Op.95 through to the strangely happy yet unearthly Op.135, with many other wonderful moments, that I can hardly imagine any better. You won't go wrong buying this.

With the Best of the Best.......2006-12-14

I know it's saying a great deal with the excellent full sets of these quartets to choose from, but these overall are my favorites. The playing is excellent, balanced and perfectly toned. There are unquestionably the deep emotional commitment of the Vegh Quartet, the intelligence of the Juilliard, the parlor intimacy of the Talisch and the muscular intensity of the Italiano. And the serious collector needs to listen to these sets, or selections of, for a rounded understanding of these works. But for a consistency of quality and feeling throughout a traversal of all the quartets I believe the Berg set wins an arguably close contest--at least for me.

What sound problems????.......2006-11-14

I am only writing this review in dispute of RB Townsend remarks below.
I have been listening to this mostly Live set for a few years now on high end Audiophile equipment and notice NO problems with sound at all.
It is clear, clean, crisp, transparent and rich with no "glare" at all.
if it is "well lit", this would suit Beethoven's strings perfectly.
An absolutely stunning performance with a Superb sound stage and sound.
All the other reviewers and the buyers who agree with their assessments (a hundred of them) can't be wrong.
With all due respect, Perhaps Mr. Townsend is listening to this on an Aiwa bookshelf System. Perhaps.

Average customer rating:

Mostly good
Look at the List of Performers First
this "masterworks" series is available much more cheaply from Amazon France
You heard guy below: Beethoven needs the royality checks!
Buy my box Set!

Beethoven: The Masterworks (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Vivaldi: The Masterworks (Box Set)
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Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set]

ASIN: B00062FLHE
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

Mostly good.......2007-05-26

A bit of a mixed bag. The symphonies are superb. This is one of the great symphony cycles. The piano sonatas are good, very good (analog) sound. The quartets are well recorded indeed, but there are better cycles out there. The rest is OK, and the sound is genrally good.

Look at the List of Performers First.......2006-11-17

If you want most of Beethoven sitting on one bookshelf, this is a great bargain (especially if you shop for it on amazon.de). But few if any of the performances represent the pinnacles of interpretation that most listeners demand when Beethoven is the composer. The symphonies for instance: can Blomstedt be compared to Furtwangler or (if you lean toward historically informed instrumentation) Gardiner? Most amazingly, the artists who perform the quartets -- the heart of Beethoven's music -- are not even named in the listing.
On the other hand: Vivaldi: The Masterworks is a collection including the very best interpreters, such as Fabio Biondi! Bach Edition (complete Bach) is a fabulous selection of recordings made over 20 years, and almost the same praise can be given the Complete Mozart.

this "masterworks" series is available much more cheaply from Amazon France.......2006-05-28

there are several sets in this series and it's much cheaper to buy these from Amazon France.

included are bach, beethoven, vivaldi, brahms, dvorak, schubert, handel, hayden, and mendelssohn.

they're even cheaper than the list price once u go through the checkout (VAT is removed for overseas (out-of-france) purchases).

**also, the 'complete works of mozart' set is much cheaper there (or at Amazon Germany), too. the 'complete works of bach' is due out later this year.

You heard guy below: Beethoven needs the royality checks! .......2006-04-07

There is quality beyond the Austrian green cardboard (which is lovely to look at, to say the least). In fact, the performance of the symphonies (Dresden Staatskapelle and Herbert Blomstedt) is alone worth the price. The Staatskapelle is a solid group, and Blomstedt, although less wellknown, holds his own. It should be mentioned that Blomstedt recorded many of the most celebrated 20th composition CDs on the market, and definitely knows his stuff. Peter Wohlert recorded mostly for compiliation lables, but to be selected by the Berlin Phil shows that he is a formdiable conductor in rank as well.

Should you buy this collection then? Given the fact that each CD cost $1.75, there is definitely the bargin factor. However, Beethoven's music desveres the top interpreters and musicians of our time - and this applies for all of his music, not just the symphonic. If you are into bargins, then proceed to buy this collection. However, if you save up a bit more, you can buy Karajan's 1963 Beethovens symphonies along with Kempff's 1956 sonata cycles for just a bit more than 70 bucks. Shop around for the string quartets, and the complete overtures should range anywhere from 15 to 30 bucks depending on the conductor/ensemble.

Overall, this is certainly an exceptional bargin. However, quality matter more than money. Besides, chicks dig people with sophisticated tastes.

Buy my box Set!.......2006-03-21

Awesome deal, 40 CD box set of me, Beethoven! There are 3 principle reasons you should buy this box set:

This box is QUALITY my friend, made of the finest, Austrian cardboard with a lovely green finish, it is made to last! You can just set it on your dresser and whenever you need a Beethoven fix you can just pull a CD out. But don't you hate getting your CDs out of order so you can't find what the hell you're looking for?! Not with this set! They are well organized into symphonies, concerti, sonatas and such, so you can find EXACTLY what your looking for, and they have big numbers on them so you can put them right back where they belong.

And the music! Need we go into this, composed through the inspiration of God himself and penned by the greatest composer who ever walked the streets of Vienna, me, Beethoven! Top notch, all done by top performers and recorded at high, clear, digital quality, stick one in your stereo and rock out man! All of my great and mighty works are here, absolutely sublime!

Lastly, you'll be supporting me, I need those royalty checks to keep rolling in!

Buy it if you love me or just buy it if you want people to think that you're sophisticated (the chicks also dig it, I should know: Antonie Brentano, giggity!), you can't go wrong!

Average customer rating:

Supreme recordings of Beethovens late string quartets

Beethoven: The Late String Quartets

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000942LM
Release Date: 2003-07-01

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

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

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

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ASIN: B0000041FM
Release Date: 1996-11-19

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating:

Beethoven Mastery
An excellent collection for the Beethoven aficionado
Trying to understand what the Emersons want to achieve
Where's the Beef? It's a Great Cut
GETTING THERE

Beethoven: The String Quartets

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000041KV
Release Date: 1997-03-11

Tracks:

6 String Quartet Op. 18 No. 3 In D Major: Allegro
6 String Quartet Op. 18 No. 3 In D Major: Andante con moto
6 String Quartet Op. 18 No. 3 In D Major: Allegro
6 String Quartet Op18. No. 3 In D Major: Presto
6 String Quartet Op18. No. 1 In F Major: Allegro con brio
6 String Quartet Op. 18 No. 1 In F Major: Adagio affettuoso ed appassionato
6 String Quartet Op. 18 No. 1 In F Major: Scherzo: Allegro molto
6 String Quartet Op. 18 No. 1 In F Major: Allegro
6 String Quartet Op. 18 No. 2 In G Major: Allegro
6 String Quartet Op. 18 No. 2 In G Major: Adagio cantabile - Allegro - Tempo I
6 String Quartet Op. 18 No. 2 In G Major: Scherzo: Allegro
6 String Quartet Op. 18 No. 2 In G Major: Allegro molto, quasi Presto

Tracks:

6 String Quartet Op. 18 No. 4 In C Minor: Allegro ma non tanto
6 String Quartet Op. 18 No. 4 In C Minor: Andante scherzoso quasi Allegretto
6 String Quartet Op. 18 No. 4 In C Minor: Menuetto: Allegretto
6 String Quartet Op. 18 No. 4 In C Minor: Allegro: Prestissimo
6 String Quartets Op. 18 No. 5 In A Major: Allegro
6 String Quartets Op. 18 No. 5 In A Major: Menuetto
6 String Quartets Op. 18 No. 5 In A Major: Andante cantabile
6 String Quartets Op. 18 No. 5 In A Major: Allegro
6 String Quartet Op. 18 No. 6 In B Flat Major: Allegro con brio
6 String Quartet Op. 18 No. 6 In B Flat Major: Adagio ma non Troppo
6 String Quartet Op. 18 No. 6 In B Flat Major: Scherzo: Allegro
6 String Quartet Op. 18 No. 6 In B Flat Major: La Malincolia: Adagio - Allegretto quasi Allegro

Tracks:

3 String Quartets Op. 59 ('Razumovsky') No. 1 In F Major: Allegro
3 String Quartets Op. 59 ('Razumovsky') No. 1 In F Major: Allegretto vivace e sempre scherzando
3 String Quartets Op. 59 ('Razumovsky') No. 1 In F Major: Adagio molto e mesto--attacca:
3 String Quartets Op. 59 ('Razumovsky') No. 1 In F Major: Theme russe: Allegro
3 String Quartets Op. 59 ('Razumovsky') No. 2 In E Minor: Allegro
3 String Quartets Op. 59('Razumovsky') No. 2 In E Minor: Molto Adagio: Si tratta questo pezzo con molto di sentimento
3 String Quartets Op. 59('Razumovsky') No. 2 In E Minor: Allegretto -- Maggiore (Theme russe)
3 String Quartets Op. 59('Razumovsky') No. 2 In E Minor: Finale: Presto

Tracks:

3 String Quartet 0p. 59 ('Razumovsky') No. 3 In C Major: Introduzione: Andante con moto - Allegro vivace
3 String Quartet 0p. 59 ('Razumovsky') No. 3 In C Major: Andante con moto quasi Allegretto.
3 String Quartet 0p. 59 ('Razumovsky') No. 3 In C Major: Menuetto grazioso -- attaca:
3 String Quartet 0p. 59 ('Razumovsky') No. 3 In C Major: Allegro molto
Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 74 ('Harp'): Poco Adagio -- Allegro
Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 74 ('Harp'): Adagio ma non troppo
Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 74 ('Harp'): Presto - Piu presto quasi pretissimo - attacca
Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 74 ('Harp'): Allegretto con Variazioni
Quartet In F Minor, Op. 95 'Quartetto (O) serioso': Allegro con brio
Quartet In F Minor, Op. 95 'Quartetto (O) serioso': Allegretto ma non troppo: attaca
Quartet In F Minor, Op. 95 'Quartetto (O) serioso': Allegro assai vivace ma serioso
Quartet In F Minor, Op. 95 'Quartetto (O) serioso': Larghetto espressivo -- Allegretto agitato -- Allegro

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

Quartet In A Minor Op. 132: Assai sostenuto - Allegro
Quartet In A Minor Op. 132: Allegro am non tanto
Quartet In A Minor Op. 132: Andante - Molto adagio - Andante - Molto adagi: Mit innigster Empfindung
Quartet In A Minor Op. 132: Alla marcia, assai vivace - Piu allegro - attaca
Quartet In A Minor Op. 132: Allegro appassionato - Presto
Quartet In F Major Op.135: Allegretto
Quartet In F Major Op.135: Vivace
Quartet In F Major Op.135: Lento assai, cantante e tranquillo
Quartet In F Major Op.135: Grave, ma non troppo tanto - Allegro

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

Beethoven Mastery.......2007-04-20

A cornerstone of any comprehensive Beethoven recording collection, Deutsche Grammophon 's recording of the Emerson String Quartet performing Beethoven's string quartets not only possesses excellent sonic characteristics, but also proves to be a rich performance by one of the outstanding string quartets of this generation. The technical accuracy of the Emerson's performance, coupled with the recording mastery of DG, provides a rewarding listening experience for any Beethoven fan, and perhaps particularly so for those interested in studying Beethoven's efforts within the string quartet genre. If you are a student of string quartets in general and Beethoven in particular, or if you are just looking for a great recording of all of Beethoven's string quartets, this set will undoubtedly become a valuable addition to your collection. Like me, you'll also likely find that these recordings will bring you years of enjoyment as you work through each of these stunningly performed pieces by the Emerson String Quartet.

An excellent collection for the Beethoven aficionado.......2006-08-22

The Emerson String Quartet combine a strength of performance at the same time giving the listener subtle shades of color producing one of the supreme recordings of Beethovens string quartets ever. They've almost done the unattainable, by producing a new approach to this old musical literature, while maintaining integrity. They bring a level of thought to these performances that have rarely been matched. Enthusiastic and sensitive interpretations rolled into one.

This box set (autographed by each member, thank you very much) is my favorite interpretation. The Budapest, Busch, Guarneri, Talich and Vegh quartets are also very good, but these provide technical brilliance and are faithful to the score, while being heartwarming and intellectually inspiring. Also, these are definitely not cold readings, but ecstatic one's. I found them refreshing and different, and still deeply moving and of course, thrill with excitement.

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

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

Highly recommended.

Trying to understand what the Emersons want to achieve.......2006-07-30

There's a new intent behind the Emerson's fast, unromantic readings of Beethoven. I don't know the status of Beethoven's metronome markings in the quartets (there were many works for which he left no exact metronome readings), but those for the symphonies are very fast--to the point that their speed seemed impossible for generations. It took a complete change of style, one that discards romantic lingering, nuance, and "deep" phrasing, before the music sounds right at extreme velocity.

The Emersons don't go all the way into period style. They employ vibrato, and they don't use hairpin dynamics, for example. Even so, they achieve their fleet readings by substituting different expressive techniques in place of romanticism: sharp attacks, springy rhythms that often dance in cut time, and a strong emphasis on counterpoint. At times we get a virtual x-ray of Beethoven's complex part writing.

All this seems terribly wrong if you can't adjust to their perspective. To a traditionalist, the Emerson's approach is like Beethoven without the Beethoven, a stylistic non-entity disguised with ear-catching virtuosity and precision. Yet in a world where we already have dozens of traditional Beethoven quartet cycles, the Emerson's set can be listened to as an experiment or a new hypothesis waiting for others to react. My rason for giving only three stars, frankly, is that I don't find enough variety here. Even if you decide to be novel, each quartet desdrves its own personality. Here, only personality fits all. Early, middle, or late, we hear one style of music-making, which ignores the evolution that Beethoven went thourgh over a lifteimte of struggle and innovation.

Where's the Beef? It's a Great Cut.......2006-06-27

After listening to the Beethoven String Quartet cycle I wonder from where most of the negative comments regarding the Emersons come. These are both exciting to listen to and are technically and artistically sound. I won't say, however, that this Emerson String Quartet's production will be to everyone's liking. It is as usual a virtuoso performance performed a bit faster than others.

The quibble over tempo is just that. Some prefer a more upbeat tempo to a slower syrupy one. Both, however, can be well within the tempo markings of the piece. I do not find any of these quartets overly fast but I do find many other versions to be performed overly slow. If your "preferred style" is to have each note stretched out in order to savor the experience then I suggest you look elsewhere. At the price, most of us cannot afford to have several renditions sitting in our libraries.

Because of the vitrium displayed by some reviewers over this set as well as nearly every other Emerson CD sold by Amazon, I obtained copies of several versions of specific late quartets that other reviewers have recommended. I did like the Quartetto Italiano and Takacs as well. Putting this version below The Lindsays, however, may only show that the vitrium against the Emersons is actually most likely directed toward Deutschegrammophone and their high priced offerings.

For me, this album brings back the Beethoven I imagined. Fierce, fiery, tempestuous, and in your face.

I highly recommend this album even at the relatively steep price here. I also highly recommend that you listen to some of these side by side with other interpretations if possible. You may prefer the other more traditional interpretations. But if you have listened to other Emerson recordings and found you like their style, you won't be disappointed with these.

GETTING THERE.......2005-10-21

This set divides opinion sharply, and I expect to satisfy nobody by sitting on the fence, as I honestly must. One criticism I have not noticed is that the Emersons take anything too slowly. My own impression, after taking my time over this set and playing a selection of alternatives, is that while they are generally fairly swift in allegros and prestos and don't dawdle over andantes and allegrettos, there are only 3 cases where their velocity seems likely to raise many eyebrows, namely the fugue in the 3rd Razumovsky and the outer movements of the F minor. I find them more or less exemplary in the first 10 quartets, Razumovsky fugue perhaps excepted. That accounts for 10 out of 16 (or 17 if the Grosse Fuge counts separately), which is not bad going at all. There is even one movement, the danza tedesca from op130, which is actually too slow for me.

One touchstone for how you are going to like or dislike this set comes with the very first phrase of the very first quartet. For some reason the first 3 quartets are given in the order 3,1,2, but I played them in their numeric sequence. The florid ornamental phrase at the start of the first quartet gave Beethoven trouble, and the Emersons despatch it with a gliding offhand ease that sets the scene for much else. Their technique is no doubt exceptional, but no quartet of technical slouches gets near a recording studio these days nor has done since the war, and the difference is only marginal. In the 60's there were a number of east European quartets with a particular affinity for Beethoven, and I own a selection of these. In the late quartets I have the Busches on vinyl, in remarkably good sound except for the F major; I have recently acquired the Razumovskys and the `Harp' from the Lindsays to mark their impending retirement, and these are the comparisons I have used. In the Razumovsky fugue the Emersons are unquestionably showing off, but the movement is marked `allegro molto', they are faster than the Lindsays (who should be a safe bet for anyone) by 17% or 18%, and I have no problem, although I expect to play the Lindsays more often. I have in mind readings by Richter of the finale of the Appassionata hurtled through by that great player in contempt of Beethoven's instruction not to do this, to my own disgust but to the obvious delight of many. In the circumstances I would not expect complaints when Beethoven says `allegro molto'. Otherwise tempi in the first 10 works seem unexceptional to me. Both the first movement and the adagio of the first Razumovsky are taken significantly faster than by the Lindsays, but the difference is only of the kind one finds between performances of similar movements by the major exponents of the sonatas.

Things turn more problematical from the F minor onwards. The first phrase of that is abrupt to the point of violence. I'm accustomed to greater decorum from the Hungarian Quartet, but Beethoven had a rough side to say the least and so far I can't make up my mind about the Emersons' approach. The last movement of this quartet was admired by Mendelssohn, and no wonder - he could almost have written it. The Emersons seem outstanding to me in Mendelssohn's quartets, and they seem outstanding to me here. I love the fast tempo, and the conclusion is a wonderful piece of Mendelssohnian gossamer. In the late quartets the Emersons do only one thing wrong for me - the danza tedesca in the B flat should ideally be a whirling waltz as the Busches give it, or if the players didn't want to do that they could have taken a hint from the Hungarians and flipped up the last beat of the first bar in each phrase. In the skeletal and awesome Grosse Fuge, where beauty is not part of the deal, the Emersons are as good as absolutely anyone, but I don't go along with sequencing this movement after the cavatina and stranding Beethoven's new finale after he changed his mind as an extra. This quartet is to a 6-movement format recalling the concerti grossi of Beethoven's revered Handel, and for all the Beethovenishness of the expression the shadow of Handel lies over it. Beethoven's original plan was to append a blockbuster finale, as Bach appended the chaconne to his D minor violin partita, but he decided to keep to a more Handelian model, as in any case the Grosse Fuge is viable as a freestanding work, and I see no reason to dispute his opinion.

The other late quartets are built round long slow movements containing some of the deepest and most beautiful music that any man ever wrote. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the way the Emersons express these, but I feel they perhaps have a little more living to do to allow music like this to sink into the depths of their souls, which is where it must penetrate before they can convey its real significance. Never let anyone tell you that the late quartets are obscure. They are clarity itself, and the roughness that is a barrier against coherence in some of Beethoven's middle-period works makes only one partial reappearance in the scherzo of the final quartet. The C# minor is an extended fantasia in 7 continuous movements or sections, although Professor Tovey, for whom the sonata form possessed a sacramental significance that would have made Beethoven laugh, tries to argue that the opening slow fugue and the pastorale following equate in some way to the function of his sonata form, that apparently increasing the significance of the music. The others are to the standard 4-movement format, although there is an introduction in the form of a short and very characteristic march to the finale of the A minor, as such a powerful piece should not be juxtaposed with the Lydian Song. All perfectly clear and perfectly wonderful. To hear what the Emersons have still to rise to, listen to the Lydian Song from the Busches. The main sections are absolutely immobile, and the ecstatic climax is beyond words. Again, the Emersons do very well with the andante of the C# minor, but the final variation with its `glory of trills' in Tovey's great phrase is not a patch on the Vlach Quartet's performance, nor is the finale, where the Vlachs surpass anyone I've ever heard. The lento of the last quartet doesn't have to be taken as slowly as the Busches do it, as the Janacek Quartet prove to me, but it would have done no harm either. And the climactic phrase in the cavatina of the B flat, again well and thoughtfully done by the Emersons, does not hit me in the solar plexus as it does from Adolf Busch.

The recording is excellent, and there is a lengthy and affectionate commentary. With the few exceptions I've mentioned, there is not much to criticise in this set in terms of taste or sense for the composer's style. The smooth glistening tone perhaps lacks a little in the way of variety, but I think that will come when they have internalised this great music in a few years' time. I shall make a point of living long enough to purchase their next set of the Beethoven quartets.

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Beethoven: Complete String Quartets
Juilliard String Quartet
Manufacturer: Sbme Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Beethoven Quartet Companion
Mahler: The Symphonies
Complete String Quartets
Beethoven: String Quartets Op. 18
Schubert: The String Quartets

ASIN: B00006OA6A
Release Date: 2002-11-11

Tracks:

1-4 String Quartet No.1 In F Major, Op. 18 No.1
5-8 String Quartet No.2 In G Major, Op.18 No.2
9-12 String Quartet No.3 In D Major, Op.18 No.3
1-4 String Quartet No.4 In D Minor, Op. 18 No.3
5-8 String Quartet No.5 In A Major, Op.18 No.5
9-12 String Quartet No.6 In B-Flat Major, Op.18 No.6
1-4 String Quartet No.7 In F Major, Op.59 No.1
1-4 String Quartet No.8 In E Minor, Op.59 No.2
5-8 String Quartet No.9 In C Major, Op.59 No.3
1-4 String Quartet No.10 In E-Flat Major, Op. 74 "Harp"
5-8 String Quartet No.11 In F Minor Op.95
1-4 String Quartet No.12 In E-Flat Major, Op.127
5-11 String Quartet No.13 In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131
1-7 String Quartet No.14 In B-Flat Major, Op. 130
1-5 String Quartet No.15 In A Minor, Op.132
6-9 String Quartet No.16 In F Major, Op. 135

Beethoven: String Quartets, Op. 127 in Eb & Op. 131 in c#

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Majestic Music - A Sublime Recording

Beethoven: String Quartets, Op. 127 in Eb & Op. 131 in c#
Ludwig van Beethoven , James Dunham , Paul Katz , William Preucil , Peter Salaff , and Cleveland Quartet
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beethoven: String Quartets, Op.132 and Op.135
Beethoven: String Quartet, Op. 130; Grosse Fuge, Op. 133
Beethoven: String Quartets Op. 74, Op. 95

ASIN: B000003D1S
Release Date: 2003-11-25

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

Majestic Music - A Sublime Recording.......2006-01-06

I have listened to CDs of Beethoven's quartets by four different groups: Alban Berg, Julliard, Kodaly, and Cleveland. They are all excellent. However, if the other quartets all deserve five stars out of five, then the Cleveland Quartet deserves a sixth star. All four groups play together seamlessly and capture all of the energy and passion of Beethoven, but the Cleveland Quartet also has an extra touch of lyrical magic, smooth refinement, and coherent unity in the quality of their performance.

I have listened to this CD many times and thoroughly enjoyed it every time. In the allegro movements there is a wonderful interaction between the violins playing the melody and the cello that is providing such a strong rhythm, anchoring the melody while, at the same time, playing in opposition to it; both instruments are very distinct and play both with and against each other in a perfect blend of harmony and, in the more rapid passages, a flawless tension that beautifully conveys the passion and energy in the music.

The second movement of Op. 127(Adagio, Ma Non Troppo E Molto Espressivo) is a piece of chamber music heaven played with an exquisite tenderness, creating an ethereal atmosphere that lets the listener savor every note.

The third movement of Op. 127 (Scherzando Vivace), beginning with pizzicato notes, is a wonderfully performed dance movement. The Cleveland Quartet, always elegant and as smooth as fine silk, but also with a sense for the lively playfulness of this movement, gives it a rhythmic, bouncing quality that contributes to making this the dramatic center of this quartet.

The sound quality of this digital recording made in December of 1995, less than two weeks before group's Farewell Recital, is superbly clear, rich, and full, and evokes for me the impression of highly polished wood, like the wood of the superb instruments played by these incredibly talented musicians: William Preucil plays a Stradivarious violin from 1701; Peter Salaff, a J.B. Guadegnini violin from 1783; James Dunham, a Gaspar da Salo viola from 1585; and Paul Katz, an Andrea Guarneri cello from 1669.

The CD booklet is well-written and informative, with a lengthy, detailed essay on each of the two quartets on this CD. The essay is in English, with a German and French translation, followed by a separate, detailed essay (only in English) on the Cleveland String Quartet. The CD booklet even includes on the final page some exceptionally detailed technical information regarding the microphones, console, digital recording processor, microphone & interconnecting cables, monitor speakers, power amplifiers, and even the control room acoustic treatement and digital editing. Given the exceptional quality of the sound engineering on this CD, as with the vast majority of Telarc CDs, the detailed technical information is understandable. Surely, everyone involved in making this outstanding recording, from the musicians to the sound engineers, had every reason to be proud of this accomplishment. Out of several hundred classical music CD's, I would select the Cleveland Quartet's recordings of all of the Beethoven Quartets, including these two late quartets, as amongst my very best, "desert island" CDs. This CD has my unqualified and very highest recommendation.

Beethoven: The String Quartets/ Grosse Fuge

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The Guarneri Beethoven--A Transcendental Bargain
Studied, unyielding performances in badly dated sound
The Guarneri Quartet Plays Beethoven
A Treasure
The Guarneri Quartet does the best BEETHOVEN

Beethoven: The String Quartets/ Grosse Fuge

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mozart: Six Quartets Dedicated to Haydn
Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet
Beethoven: Piano Sonatas (Complete) [Box Set]
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Beethoven: Complete String Quartets

ASIN: B00011MK6U
Release Date: 2004-03-09

Tracks:

Allegro Con Brio
Adagio Affettuoso Ed Appassionato
Scherzo: Allegro Molto; Trio
Allegro
Allegro
Adagio Cantabile; Allegro
Scherzo: Allegro; Trio
Allegro Molto Quasi Presto
Allegro
Andante Con Moto
Allegro
Presto

Tracks:

Allegro Ma Non Tanto
Scherzo: Andante Scherzoso Quasi Allegretto
Menuetto: Allegretto; Trio
Allegro; Prestissimo
Allegro
Menuetto; Trio
Andante Cantabile; Variazioni 1-5; Poco Adagio
Allegro

Tracks:

Allegro Con Brio
Adagio Ma Non Troppo
Scherzo: Allegro; Trio
La Malincolia: Adagio; Allegretto Quasi Allegro: Prestissimo
Allegro
Allegretto Vivace E Sempre Scherzando
Adagio Molto E Mesto
Theme Russe: Allegro

Tracks:

Allegro
Molto Adagio
Allegretto
Finale: Presto
Introduzione: Andante Con Moto; Allegro Vivace
Andante Con Moto Quasi Allegretto
Menuetto: Grazioso
Allegro Molto

Tracks:

Poco Adagio Allegro
Adagio Ma Non Troppo
Presto: Piu Presto Quasi Prestissimo
Allegretto Con Variazioni
Allegro Con Brio
Allegretto Ma Non Troppo
Allegro Assai Vivace Ma Serioso
Larghetto Espressivo; Allegretto Agitato

Tracks:

Assai Sostenuto; Allegro
Allegro Ma Non Tanto
Heiliger Dankgesang eines Genesenen An Die Gottheit, In Der Lydischen Tonart: Molto Adagio; Neue Kraft Fuhlend: Andante
Alla Marcia, Assai Vivace
Allegro Appassionato
Grande Fugue Op.133

Tracks:

Adagio, Ma Non Troppo E Molto Espressivo
Allegro Molto Vivace
Allegro Moderato
Andante, Ma Non Troppo E Molto Cantabile
Presto
Adagio Quasi Un Poco Andante
Allegro
Maestoso; Allegro
Adagio; Ma Non Troppo E Molto Cantabile
Scherzando Vivace: Presto
Finale: Allegro Con Moto

Tracks:

Adagio, Ma Non Troppo; Allegro
Presto
Andante Con Moto, Ma Non Troppo
Alla Danza Tedesca: Allegro Assai
Cavatina: Adagio Molto Espressivo
Finale: Allegro
Allegretto
Vivace
Lento Assai, Cantante E Tranquillo
Der Schwer Gefasste Entschluss: Frage, Ma Non Troppo Tratto; Allegro

Customer Reviews:

The Guarneri Beethoven--A Transcendental Bargain.......2007-01-10

It's been many years since I last attempted a journey through the complete Beethoven Quartets. I'm not sure if my musical tastes have matured that much or whether the playing by the Quarneri Quartet on RCA is that good, but they have now convinced me that these Beethoven Quartets are pieces that I will return to regularly for enjoyment. The Shostakovich Quartets still speak to me on a more personal level, and I still struggle to figure out the middle Bartok Quartets. The Beethoven set by the Alban Berg Quartet on EMI 73606 has served as a great complement to the Quarneri performances, and I now I can highly recommend either one (better both) of these unbelievable bargains to those wanting to better appreciate the Beethoven String Quartets.

Studied, unyielding performances in badly dated sound.......2006-01-12

After a glorious decade of Living Stereo, RCA entered the Dynagroove era with some of the worst sound ever recorded by a major label. The Guarneri suffered badly from this--these Beethoven quartets sound dry, cramped, and charmless. I vividly remember the early excitement over this group. They were heirs to the intellectual style of quartet playing represented by the Budapest Quartet, and as individual musicians, these young graduates of Curtis, who also played every summer at Marlboro, were pre-anointed.

Now the picture is rather different. The Guarneri remains a top-flght group, but they haven't turned into resplendent artists (a TV film documentary from the late Nineties shows that they are thoroughly sick of each other personaly; some members barely speak outside rehearsal.) Their Beethoven doesn't sing and is much too studied. Beethoven quartets must communicate several things at once, and the Guarneri are excellent at some of them: ensemble, individual technique, serious purpose, classical balance. But without spontaneity and inspiration, those qualities lie on fallow ground. One minute of exposure to the Alban Berg's live Beethoven cycle on EMI (not caught in the best sound, either) reveals how much more joyful and singing these great works can be. At the risk of offending the Guarneri's many fans, these readings only go halfway to the mark.

The Guarneri Quartet Plays Beethoven.......2005-08-18

I recently spent several days at home recovering from minor surgery and took the opportunity to revist the Beethoven string quartets and the Beethoven piano sonatas. I thought the quartets would be especially appropriate to hear in recovering from surgery. I looked forward particularly to revisiting the "Holy Song of Thanksgiving to the Deity by a Convalscent,in the Lydian Mode", the third movement of the opus 132 quartet which Beethoven wrote when he recovered from an illness far worse than that which plagued me. There is, perhaps, a similar feeling expressed in the slow, hymnlike movement of the second Razumovsky Quartet, opus 59 no.2.

Hearing the music made me appreciate not only my health but also the opportunities I have enjoyed to get to know the quartets. Many years ago, I first heard the quartets live played by the Fine Arts Quartet when it was the quartet-in-residence at the University of Wisconsin -- Milwaukee. I subsequently acquired the Fine Arts Quartet's excellent recording of the entire cycle. Then, while living in Washington D.C. for thirty years, I have had many opportunities to hear the Juilliard String Quartet, and other ensembles, perform the Beethoven quartets at the Library of Congress, probably the best musical venue in what is a musical capital city.

To rehear the quartets, I chose a recent reissue of the cycle by the Guarneri Quartet. I have never heard the Guarneri's live before, even though the quartet is in residence at the nearby University of Maryland. The group has been playing together since 1965 and is deservedly revered. The ensemble plays with a lyrical, songlike and expressive character, with a flow, a grace, and a feel of gemuitlicheit that brought me new insights into this music. It is an outstanding recording of the quartet cycle. In a detailed review of the Guarneri's performance of the cycle on MusicWeb, Paul Shoemaker justly wrote that "If there's a better version of these quartets, I've not heard it."

As do the piano sonatas, Beethoven's 16 quartets allow the listener to experience the development and deepening of his style from his early period, to the period of maturity, to the final works at the end of his life. But the quartets are evenly divided between Beethoven's three major compositional periods while the piano sonatas are somewhat weighted towards the composer's earlier years. In addition, Beethoven composed his quartets in three rather continuous blocks, giving each group a distinctive character, while the piano sonatas were written more continuously in Beethoven's career and tend to meld and flow more easily from one period to another.

In recovering from an illness, I thought while listening of how the quartets deal in their different ways with human pain. Beethoven composed his first series of six quartets, opus 18, as a young man in his late 20s who was full of hope and optimism, aware of his extraordinary gifts and of his ability to realize them in his music. These works are in the style of Haydn and Mozart but show a Beethoven intent on developing a voice of his own. They are optimistic, powerful works full of confidence but with hints of sadness and depths in the slow movement of the first quartet and in the "La Malinconia" section of the fourth movement of the sixth quartet. In my listening, I spent more time revisiting this first group of quartets than I had anticipated.

The second group of quartets include the three "Razumovsky" quartets of opus 59 written in 1806 together with the "Harp" and "Serioso" quartets written somewhat later. These are large, inspiring works from Beethoven's "heroic" period and the best known of his quartets. They show a composer who has known difficulty and disappointment, in his growing deafness, his health, and in his failure to form a lasting loving and sexual relationship with a woman, who tries to overcome his problems through strength, hope and will. These are large-scale inspiring works. I spent most of my time in this group with the second quartet of opus 59, with the poignant slow movement of the third quarted of opus 59 and, surprisingly, with the radiant lyricism of the "harp" quartet, opus 74.

Beethoven's final compositions consist of the last five quartets, opus nos. 127, 130, 131, 132, 135, together with the "Great Fugue" opus 133. This is deep and complex music in which Beethoven moves beyond suffering and struggle to various forms of recognition and acceptance. In rehearing this music as played by the Guarneri Quartet, I was taken by its lyricism, the many songs, dances, and marches in these quartets interlaced with the more forbidding fugues. The Guarneri Quartet has the rare virtue of not taking itself too seriously. I have already mentioned the "Hymn of Thanksgiving" in the opus 132 quartet. I also listened a great deal to the opus 127 quartet, which opens with inspiring chords and is a mixture of the resolute and the reflective, and to the final quartet, opus 135. This is the shortest quartet of the final five and shows Beethoven finding his answer to human suffering in the form of comedy and laughter rather than tragedy (think of the laughing Buddha). I also thought about the ending Beethoven wrote, after completing opus 135, to replace the "Great Fugue" in opus 130. It seemed to me that he had acted wisely and correctly by bringing this quartet to a light, almost comedic, conclusion.

It is not a pleasant experience to be in recovery, but I was grateful for the opportunity to hear the Guarneri Quartet and to revisit the Beethoven string quartets. This is music that speaks to the heart of listeners at different times and stages of life. I suggest that listeners coming to the quartets for the first time (or after many times) also read a good overview to Beethoven's life and music. I recommend Lewis Lockwood's "Beethoven: The Music and the Life" (2003). This study places Beethoven's achievement in its historical and musical context and includes lengthy treatments of each of the three groups of string quartets.

Robin Friedman

A Treasure.......2004-07-24

Beethoven like it's never played anymore. This is old world quartet playing -- warm, detailed phrasing and an emphasis on tonal beauty. Rather than choosing one blazing tempo and plowing head first through a movement (Emerson, Alban Berg Quartets), the Guarneri utilize a wider dynamic range. They are not afraid to slow down to bring out detail and drama, or speed up to get the blood pumping (the last mvt of op59-3 is the fastest of the 11 versions I have).

The sound quality is superb, one of the best quartet cds I have ever heard. I agree with the reviewer below, it sounds like the players are in your living room. These are late 1960s recordings that RCA originally released on CD in the late 80s on their Gold Seal label. I am aware that many complained about the sound quality of the earlier release. However, this release has been newly remastered in 2003 using 20 bit technology and the results are astounding. Indeed, if you have the older CDs, you may want to buy this one as a replacement. Enjoy.

The Guarneri Quartet does the best BEETHOVEN.......2004-04-30

I have always loved the Guarneri Quartets Beethoven recordings of the 1960s.
Believe me it is a crowded field out there with a lot of wonderful versions, but I've always thought their interpretations were as good if not better than the Quartetto, Lindsey, Italiano, Vegh, Talich or Medici versions. I have found that the Guarneri Quartet has provided an outstanding escort to these wonderful journeys, the genuine straightforwardness of their playing along with their unrivaled execution, and rich intonation helps to make the Beethoven quartets a extremely poignant experience every time I hear them. In a word, these performances are close to perfection. The Guarneri Quartet really understand what the music is about, they are playing more than just the notes.
The recordings are good (thanks to engineer Richard Gardner) and with the fantastic re-mastering job, the recordings now sound superb, with excellent presence and definition. The instruments are closely miked and the sound is nice and dry (it sounds like they are playing in your living room) so that the performances can be fully enjoyed. These recordings are vibrant and exciting! Even the CD layout has been improved so that the great Opus 127 is no longer split over two discs.
Instead of three sets, totaling nine discs and costing well over one hundred, it has been condensed to one complete slim line box set with eight discs and costing about half the price!

Highly recommend!!

Average customer rating:

Technically flawless, but lacking emotionally
Charming performances, good sound, budget packaging
Stay away from this cycle
Beethoven: The String Quartets
Simply The Best Ever Recording of Beethoven String Quartets

Beethoven: The String Quartets

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00002DEH2
Release Date: 2000-10-10

Tracks:

String Quartet In F Major, Op. 18 No. 1: Allegro con brio
String Quartet In F Major, Op. 18 No. 1: Adagio affettuoso ed appassionato
String Quartet In F Major, Op. 18 No. 1: Scherzo. Allegro molto
String Quartet In F Major, Op. 18 No. 1: Allegro
String Quartet In G Major, Op. 18 No.2: Allegro
String Quartet In G Major, Op. 18 No.2: Adagio cantabile - Allegro - Tempo I
String Quartet In G Major, Op. 18 No.2: Scherzo. Allegro
String Quartet In G Major, Op. 18 No.2: Allegro molto quasi Presto
String Quartet In D Major, Op. 18 No.3: Allegro
String Quartet In D Major, Op. 18 No.3: Andante con moto
String Quartet In D Major, Op. 18 No.3: Allegro
String Quartet In D Major, Op. 18 No.3: Presto

Tracks:

String Quartet In C Minor, Op. 18 No. 4: Allegro ma non tanto
String Quartet In C Minor, Op. 18 No. 4: Scherzo. Andante scherzoso quasi Allegretto
String Quartet In C Minor, Op. 18 No. 4: Menuetto. Allegretto
String Quartet In C Minor, Op. 18 No. 4: Allegro - Prestissimo
String Quartet In A Major, Op. 18 No. 5: Allegro
String Quartet In A Major, Op. 18 No. 5: Menuetto
String Quartet In A Major, Op. 18 No. 5: Andante cantabile. Thema - Variationen I-V - Coda. Poco Adagio
String Quartet In A Major, Op. 18 No. 5: Allegro
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 18 No. 6: Allegro con brio
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 18 No. 6: Adagio ma non troppo
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 18 No. 6: Scherzo. Allegro
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 18 No. 6: La Malinconia. Adagio - Allegretto quasi Allegro

Tracks:

String Quartet In F Major, Op. 59 No.1: Allegro
String Quartet In F Major, Op. 59 No.1: Allegretto vivace e sempre scherzando
String Quartet In F Major, Op. 59 No.1: Adagio molto e mesto - attacca
String Quartet In F Major, Op. 59 No.1: Theme russe. Allegro
String Quartet In E Minor, Op. 59 No.2: Allegro
String Quartet In E Minor, Op. 59 No.2: Molto Adagio. Si tratta questo pezzo con molto di sentimento
String Quartet In E Minor, Op. 59 No.2: Allegretto
String Quartet In E Minor, Op. 59 No.2: Finale. Presto

Tracks:

String Quartet In C Major, Op. 59 No.3: Introduzione. Andante con moto - Allegro vivace
String Quartet In C Major, Op. 59 No.3: Andante con moto quasi Allegretto
String Quartet In C Major, Op. 59 No.3: Menuetto. Grazioso - attacca:
String Quartet In C Major, Op. 59 No.3: Allegro molto
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 74 'Harp': Poco Adagio - Allegro
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 74 'Harp': Adagio ma non troppo
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 74 'Harp': Presto - attacca:
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 74 'Harp': Allegretto con Variazioni

Tracks:

String Quartet In F Minor, Op. 95: Allegro con brio
String Quartet In F Minor, Op. 95: Allegretto ma non troppo - attacca:
String Quartet In F Minor, Op. 95: Allegro assai vivace ma serioso
String Quartet In F Minor, Op. 95: Larghetto espressivo - Allegretto agitato
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 127: Maestoso - Allegro
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 127: Adagio, ma non troppo e molto cantabile - Andante con moto - Adagio molto espressivo
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 127: Scherzando vivace - Presto
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 127: Finale
Great Fugue In B Flat Major, Op. 133: Overtura. Allegro - Fuga:
Great Fugue In B Flat Major, Op. 133: Meno mosso e moderato
Great Fugue In B Flat Major, Op. 133: Allegro molto e con brio
Great Fugue In B Flat Major, Op. 133: Meno mosso e moderato
Great Fugue In B Flat Major, Op. 133: Allegro molto e con brio
Great Fugue In B Flat Major, Op. 133: Allegro

Tracks:

String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 130: Adagio ma non troppo - Allegro
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 130: Presto
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 130: Andante con moto, ma non troppo
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 130: Alla danza tedesca. Allegro assai
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 130: Cavatina. Adagio molto espressivo - attacca:
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 130: Finale. Allegro
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: Adagio, ma non troppo e molto espressivo - attacca:
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: Allegro molto vivace - attacca:
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: Allegro moderato - attacca:
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: Andante, ma non troppo e molto cantabile - Andante moderato e lusinghiero - Adagio - Allegretto - Adagio, ma non troppo e semplice - Allegretto
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: Presto - Molto poco adagio - attacca:
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: Adagio quasi un poco andante - attacca:
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: Allegro

Tracks:

String Quartet In A Minor, Op. 132: Assai sostenuto - Allegro
String Quartet In A Minor, Op. 132: Allegro ma non tanto
String Quartet In A Minor, Op. 132: Heiliger Dankgesang eines Genesenden an die Gottheit, in der lydischen Tonart. Molto adagio - Neue Kraft fuhlend. Andante - Molto adagio - Andante - Molto adagio. Mit innigster Empfindung
String Quartet In A Minor, Op. 132: Alla marcia, assai vivace - Piu allegro - attacca:
String Quartet In A Minor, Op. 132: Allegro appassionato
String Quartet In F Major, Op. 135: Allegretto
String Quartet In F Major, Op. 135: Vivace
String Quartet In F Major, Op. 135: Lento assai e cantante tranquillo
String Quartet In F Major, Op. 135: Der schwer gefaBte EntschluB. Grave (MuB es sein?) - Allegro (Es muB sein!) - Grave, ma non troppo tratto - Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Technically flawless, but lacking emotionally.......2007-03-29

I recently rented a copy of this set from the library just to see how the Amadeus quartet managed it...I have some of their other recordings, including their Brahms chamberworks survey, the complete Mozart quartets, selections of Haydn's late quartets, and a great version of Dvorak's "American". Having thoroughly enjoyed their playing on these other discs, I figured it couldn't hurt to sample their Beethoven. Well, I should have known better...I disliked this set for the exact same reasons I enjoyed their work with Mozart and Haydn - the performances felt overly smooth and overall lacking in terms of feeling. A great example of this would be the opening movement of Op. 130, at about the 1min. mark, when the allegro kicks in - it just sounds calculated and contrived to me.

I feel this way about a lot of sections (Op. 59 no. 3, finale, Op. 59 no. 2 Scherzo, Op. 74 intro, many of the late quartets) - similarly to my criticisms of Quartetto Italiano - where the overly glossy sheen detracts from the inherent conflict in the works, especially in the middle quartets. That being said, this approach really helps for the 6 quartets Op. 18, these actually being the best renditions I've heard.

One positive note amidst my criticisms: Beethoven's musical architecture is clearly audible here and very transparent (unlike Italiano, who sacrifice symmetry in favor of warm, genial sound). Still, if you are buying this set for the famous Middle and Late quartets, there are numerous better options available to you: the Takacs quartet (amazing), Talich quartet (a great budget set-really a great set at any price), Alban Berg (a tour-de-force in technique) and the Lindsay quartet (not as techincally sound, but warm & passionate readings).

A note about recording quality: not great. The lead violin is at times obnoxiously whiny and overbearing, and the cello is very quiet, though still audible.

To sum up - these performances are a good example of the polished, smooth performances of the 50s - 60s, and are a good reference as such. But other ensembles have had far more insightful approaches to these masterworks than the Amadeus quartet did, such as the Budapest quartet readings (also older recordings). Not bad as a budget set, but there are better alternatives out there.

Charming performances, good sound, budget packaging.......2007-02-21

I have little to add to the positive reviews below. The performances are inspired. And listening on audiophile headphones with a dedicated headphone amplifier, I find the recording quality to be quite good, especially considering the age of these recordings. (These performances were originally recorded in the early 1960s.)

The packaging consists of a clamshell cardboard box containing the discs, which are in individual paper sleeves. There is a fair booklet of essays about the compositions. This is certainly budget packaging, but at least it doesn't take up incredible volumes of space to house the seven CDs.

As this CD set is currently discounted as part of Amazon's "classical blowout," it's hard to beat the value. Enjoy!

Stay away from this cycle.......2007-02-18

These recordings have aged very badly. These are the most terrible performances of Beethoven's quartets I've ever heard, played without any heart, and no respect for Beethoven's markings. Worst of all the DG sound quality is one of their most unpleasant, so dry and unflattering that the high violin is painful to the ears. The Amadeus Quartet should have stuck to Mozart and Haydn.

As another reviewer on Amazon.co.uk states:

"The quartets were recorded in stages during the early 1960's. As such, they do not stand up to modern state of the art recordings. This disappointed me. I wanted to have the glory of Beethoven wrapped in a sumptuous wave of audiophile quality. These are period recordings and you can tell. They would have been acceptable in their day, but not now. The sound is brittle and one-dimensional, lacking the depth and warmth of wooden stringed instruments. At times, the higher registers of the lead violin are penetrating and harsh. The cello is barely discernible and only makes its presence felt during bouts of heavy bowing. It is generally difficult to separate the four instruments, thus spoiling a major reason for enjoying such pieces. Recent listening to Radio 3's lunchtime concerts has demonstrated how these string quartets should sound, ignoring individual interpretations. Some discs are better than others, but overall fall well short of modern standards."

Here's what Gramophone magazine said of these performances:

"In Beethoven they were at their best in the early quartets, which had a freshness and unaffected naturalness showing them in the finest light. But, in retrospect, the same smooth approach to the middle and later quartets brings an element of blandness. The Adagio of the first Razumovsky Quartet is very beautiful on the surface, the playing undoubtedly concentrated, but one senses a missing dimension. There is surely a greater depth in the music than they discover, and the same comment applies to the opening of the Harp Quartet, with its dramatic strokes somehow sounding calculated."

This set contains some of the cheapest packaging around with cardboard sleeves that scratch the CDs. The box wears very quickly and can't be replaced unless you buy another set, which I obviously don't recommend.

Buy the Takacs, Lindsays, or Emerson versions instead, as they're in are class of their own.

Beethoven: The String Quartets.......2007-01-10

This is an affordable reissue of the Amadeus Quartet's classic recordings of the complete Beethoven string quartets. The music is essential to any collection of chamber music, and the performances of the late quartets, perhaps the finest string quartets ever written, are beautifully done. The performance of the A minor Quartet (opus 132) is especially moving. The quality of the recording is quite good for a budget-priced reissue, and the interpretations of the music by the Amadeus Quartet are outstanding.

Simply The Best Ever Recording of Beethoven String Quartets.......2006-02-16

I grew up listening to many different recordings of this acclaimed Beethoven Cycle. I have admired Alban Berg Quartet (live EMI), Tokyo String Quartet and Guarneri Quartet recordings, but the warmth of the Amadeus Quartet sound in this recording and their interpretation is truly astonishing. I recommend this to anyone who really wants to understand the depth and complexity of possibly Beethoven best compositions.

Beethoven: String Quartets Op 131 & 135 / Bernstein

Average customer rating:

Traditionalism is negligence!
slow music of both quartets transfer well to the larger forces.
Sound from the other side of the Universe
the one in c sharp minor is awesome
Easy to digest if Op. 131 is not a sacred cow to you

Beethoven: String Quartets Op 131 & 135 / Bernstein

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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ASIN: B000001GGN
Release Date: 1992-11-10

Tracks:

String Quartet In F Major, Op. 135: I Allegretto
String Quartet In F Major, Op. 135: II Vivace
String Quartet In F Major, Op. 135: III Lento assai e cantante tranquillo
String Quartet In F Major, Op. 135: IV Der schwer gefasste Entschluss
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: I Adagio, ma non troppo e molto espressivo
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: II Allegretto
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: III Allegro moderato
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: IV Andante, ma non troppo e molto cantabile - Andante moderato e lusinghiero - Adagio - Allegretto - Adagio, ma non troppo e semplice - Allegretto
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: V Presto
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: VI Adagio quasi un poco andante
String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: VII Allegro

Amazon.com

Leonard Bernstein's otherwise harmonious relationship with the Vienna Philharmonic hit a few bumps when he proposed that they perform this string quartet transcription of Beethoven's Quartet in C-sharp Minor, op. 131. But only a few minutes into the first rehearsal, all static evaporated. One hears why: this great, idiosyncratic piece--along with the Quartet in F, op. 135--is played with startling freshness and affection. The unanimity of the orchestra ensures that textures are rarely muddied, while the sound of massed strings gives the music a grandeur always implied but never realized by conventional string quartet performances. What comes most to the fore in this version is the music's meditative qualities. At times, the slow movements sound like Mahler, with whom Bernstein identified even more strongly than with Beethoven. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews:

Traditionalism is negligence!.......2007-03-09

For many purists these transcriptions are irreverent. But the genius of Beethoven may easily to accept these versions without damaging. And the result was very original. To my mind, you should listen to these pieces forgetting all kind of prejudices, with open-minded conviction. And then, you will agree with this extraordinary and deserved homage of Bernstein to the prodigal son of Bonn.

slow music of both quartets transfer well to the larger forces........2006-07-08

this disc is worth having for the slow music of both quartets which transfer idiomatically to the string orchestra medium,infact they ought to feature regularly in concert programmes shorn of the other movements.
Take the the fugal first movement of the C#minor where the song like wisfulness of the Bush Quartet is replaced with a Mahlerian/Brucknerian breadth of vision.basically,it's impossible to resist the new medium.Much the same applies to the gorgeous slow movement of No.16 which anticipates the Finale of Mahler 3.I'm not so convinced with the faster music which seems totally wrapped up a more intimate framework.Here,the proceedings feel a bit lumpy though i have to admit these movemnts are harder to grasp on a single listening whatever the medium.let's not forget,Beethoven can be difficult!

Sound from the other side of the Universe.......2005-12-20

This recording seems to invite a lot of scoffing from purists. I'm a purist too, so why am I not scoffing? What's wrong with trying something different for once, it's not like the full string orchestra treatment is ever going to replace the real deal string quartet ensemble for which it was originally written. Bernstein himself said that this was his favorite of all his recordings. Since he recorded such a great deal, it's a remarkable statement by a conductor of his caliber. He dedicated this record to the memory of his wife.

What can be said about Opus 131 that hasn't already been said? It's the greatest string quartet ever written, even superior to Beethoven's other immense achievements in this genre. Playing this work on a full string orchestra perhaps takes away the intimacy of the chamber medium but it also gives it a vision and grandeur that we all know is inherent in the music. The slow, painful fugue that opens the work is music of the highest sublimity, for once it's great to hear it played by a full body of strings. Those strings belongs to the Vienna Philharmonic, so you know this is a performance for the ages. The 7 linked movements of Opus 131 are a monument to Beethoven, the architect. The long sequences of variations for instance or the short adagio prelude to the final movement, God, it doesn't get better than this. Yes, I do ultimately prefer the chamber version for 4 instruments, my favorite recording is by the Lindsay Quartet from the early 1980's, but Bernstein creates some enticing magic here that is worth the asking price. Sometimes I'll play this to people who would not normally engage with a string quartet but are easily won over by a string orchestra. Think Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings but much longer, varied and profound.

The Opus 135 might not work as perfectly in string orchestra form as Opus 131, but so what? It's utterly gorgeous played this way. Perhaps the inner voices are obscured but look at the compensation that you get in the Lento Assai slow movement! Mahler is known for his slow movements but he is out-classed easily by Beethoven in the slow movements in Opus 135 and 131 as well as countless other movements like the adagio of the Ninth Symphony, Eroica funeral march, Opus 111 final movement, the Hammerklavier adagio, Benedictus from the Missa Solemnis, the Holy Thanksgiving movement from Opus 132, I could go on forever baby! Beethoven, a supreme master. We should certainly be willing to listen to different approaches to his works and this Bernstein record is one such approach. If you listen on headphones you can hear the subtle moans of pleasure emitting from Bernstein on this CD. Don't worry, it's barely audible and is not at all a distraction, just a confirmation of how deeply the music moved him.

For a string quartet version, go for the Lindsay Quartet recordings from the early 80's, very deeply felt, much more so than the Alban Berg or Emerson Quartet. However, if you're adventuresome, then buy this CD as well to have and cherish as a substitute to play once in a while. It won't replace the real thing and it doesn't have to. Musical perfection comes along very rarely and it's an honor to be able to explore it in different guises.

the one in c sharp minor is awesome.......2005-05-01

I have to admit that I was impressed by the wonderfull playing of this particular piece. I do believe that the f major quartet has it's moments, like the lento assai e cantante tranquilo, but the disc is about op 131. I guess that op 135 was performed to fill space on a 80 minute disc, but it has some extreme moments that are marvelous anyway. It's right that some string quartets won't fit on a string orchestra, but this particular (op 131) do, and it's structure works wonderfully in the hands of the Wiener Philarmoniker.

Easy to digest if Op. 131 is not a sacred cow to you.......2005-01-15

If you think Beethoven should not be altered in any way, then this recording isn't for you. But keep in mind that "The Master" adapted his own works oftentimes, and something tells me he would not have objected to Lenny's approach here (which is Dmitri Mitropoulos' approach, actually, since the whole idea was his initially). Heck, Beethoven didn't balk when the publisher asked him to substitute his monumental Grosse Fugue finale to Op. 130. Furthermore, no one objects when his Leonore No. 3 Overture is inserted into the beginning of the second act of Fidelio. Frankly, I think Ludwig would consider this CD with a mind more open than most reviewers.

And there's lots to like here. The Vienna strings (I agree with Lenny that they are the "rightest" ones for the role) play with aching beauty and pin-point precision. If you just collect incredible examples of string playing, this is a CD you should have.

As for the interpretation, it's amazing how often things sound "right" to my mind, though I find Bernstein's handling of the first movement a tad overblown towards the end. Where he misfires there, however, he scores big time in the central theme-and-variations movement, where every tempo choice is well-considered, and 60 strings make more coherence out of the second-to-last variation than I've heard most quartets do. The scherzo too is amazing for both its virtuosity and for getting the moment *absolutely right.* The finale is relentless and powerful; too often it sounds almost puny in the hands of some string quartets. It's like a late-period Eroica, and it sounds right with large forces.

Bernstein said at the time this performance was broadcast on PBS (in the early 80s) that he considered this performance the greatest achievement of his life, and that he wanted listeners to think of it as "Beethoven's Tenth Symphony." Maybe or maybe not (though it's certainly more satisfying than the recent attempt to finish what would have actually been Beethoven's Tenth Symphony), but the quartet is certainly sublime in this incarnation. It's true many of the work's chamber qualities are lost, but many other qualities are gained, especially in the first, fourth and seventh movements, and nay-sayers should listen to the plusses as well as the minuses. I wouldn't want to hear the work performed all the time this way, and in fact I only play this disc occasionally, preferring the standard chamber account most of the time. But there's nothing sacreligious about this version.

Op. 135 doesn't fare nearly so well, however (okay, it's a dud), and I'm puzzled as to why Bernstein chose this as the *other* late quartet to orchestrate. Of all the late Beethoven quartets, it is the most "earthbound," the least ethereal. Even the slow movement, wonderful as it is (and I rank it as one of Beethoven's very best in the balance of form and content, with Bach-like logic to its progression), is earthbound, gloriously so. Op. 131 has a certain incandescent quality that presages Mahler and Bruckner, and the massive string sound work with it. Op. 135 was Beeethoven returning to earth after the celestrial journey--a changed man, no doubt, and it's a pity he didn't live to write more string quartets, because I'd like to know what would have come next--but still, this is earthbound Beethoven, no matter how changed. The massed strings just get in the way of that, and they fight the music, to my ears. I cherish this disc, but never play Op. 135, only Op. 131. More puzzling, in that same interview for the PBS special, Bernstein said he felt that Op. 131 was the only quartet that lent itself to a massed string approach. He was right; I wonder why he changed his mind several years later for this Op. 135 recording.

But this CD is worth the price just for the C-sharp minor quartet, which dominates the disc anyway. I recommend this for any Beethoven collection, provided you aren't pedantic. It's not a substitute for the "standard" Op. 131 string quartet performance, but it does augment it nicely, and even sheds a little new light on the work.

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