Clarinet Quartets 1 in B-Flat

On this CD:

1. Concertante quartet for clarinet & string trio, No1 in B flat major "Extrait des oeuvres de Haydn"
Composed by Vincent Gambaro
Performed by Kurt Guntner, Dieter Klocker, Helmut Nicolai, Helmar Stiehler

2. Concertante quartet for clarinet & string trio, No.2 in C minor "Extrait des oeuvres de Haydn"
Composed by Vincent Gambaro
Performed by Kurt Guntner, Dieter Klocker, Helmut Nicolai, Helmar Stiehler

3. Concertante quartet for clarinet & string trio, No.3 in B flat major "Extrait des oeuvres de Haydn"
Composed by Vincent Gambaro
Performed by Kurt Guntner, Dieter Klocker, Helmut Nicolai, Helmar Stiehler

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is a really nice set at a bargan price.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating:

The "Clinker" of the bunch

Brahms: The Masterworks (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Sextets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Brilliant Classics | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Dvorák: The Masterworks [Box Set]
Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set]
Vivaldi: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Beethoven: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Schubert: The Masterworks [Box Set]

ASIN: B00062FLIS
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

The "Clinker" of the bunch.......2006-12-19

Having collected the entire "The Masterworks" series (including the Bach and Mozart Complete Works) this set is the 'clinker' of the bunch. First off... 6 CD's of Lieder 'historic' (pre-historic) recordings. No Overtures, No Orchestral Seranades, No Haydn Variations?? The performances of the Symphonies and the Concertos are shakey and not very well recorded. Brilliant Classics, who has done such a wonderful job with the Hadyn Complete Symphonies (licensed from Nimbus), the Mozart and Bach Complete sets, has stumbled a bit with this release.

Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 14: Misc. Chamber Works

Average customer rating:

The "Unknown" Beethoven...
Simply Delightful!
Brilliant if sometimes odd rhythm and tempo

Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 14: Misc. Chamber Works

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Septets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Sextets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Complete Beethoven Edition Vol. 6 - Piano Works / Demus, Alder, Gilels, Mustonen, Kempff, Barenboim
Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 7: Violin Sonatas
Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 2: Concertos
Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 9: Piano Trios
Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 11: Early String Quartets

ASIN: B000001GZH
Release Date: 1997-12-09

Tracks:

No. 1 In E Flat Major: 1. Adagio assai - attacca - Ludwig Van Beethoven
No. 1 In E Flat Major: 2. Allegro con spirito - Ludwig Van Beethoven
No. 1 In E Flat Major: 3. Tema. Cantabile - Variazioni I-VI - Tema. Allegretto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
No. 2 In D Major: 1. Allegro moderato - Ludwig Van Beethoven
No. 2 In D Major: 2. Andante con moto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
No. 2 In D Major: 3. Rondo. Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
No. 3 In C Major: 1. Allegro vivace - Ludwig Van Beethoven
No. 3 In C Major: 2. Adagio con expressione - Ludwig Van Beethoven
No. 3 In C Major: 3. Rondo. Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Tracks:

Trio For Piano, Flute, And Bassoon In G Major: 1. Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Trio For Piano, Flute, And Bassoon In G Major: 2. Adagio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Trio For Piano, Flute, And Bassoon In G Major: 3. Tema andante con Variazioni - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Sonata For Piano And Horn In F Major: 1. Allegro moderato - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Sonata For Piano And Horn In F Major: 2. Poco Adagio, quasi Andante - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Sonata For Piano And Horn In F Major: 3. Rondo. Allegro moderato - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Sextet For 2 Horns, 2 Violins, Viola And Cello In E Flat Major: 1. Allegro con brio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Sextet For 2 Horns, 2 Violins, Viola And Cello In E Flat Major: 2. Adagio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Sextet For 2 Horns, 2 Violins, Viola And Cello In E Flat Major: 3. Rondo. Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Tracks:

Quintet For Piano, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn And Bassoon In E Flat Major: 1. Grave - Allegro, ma non troppo
Quintet For Piano, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn And Bassoon In E Flat Major: 2. Andante cantabile
Quintet For Piano, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn And Bassoon In E Flat Major: 3. Rondo. Allegro, ma non troppo
Serenade For Flute, Violin And Viola In D Major, Op. 25: 1. Entrada. Allegro
Serenade For Flute, Violin And Viola In D Major, Op. 25: 2. Tempo ordinario d'un Minuetto
Serenade For Flute, Violin And Viola In D Major, Op. 25: 3. Allegro molto
Serenade For Flute, Violin And Viola In D Major, Op. 25: 4. Andante con Variazioni
Serenade For Flute, Violin And Viola In D Major, Op. 25: 5. Allegro scherzando e vivace
Serenade For Flute, Violin And Viola In D Major, Op. 25: 6. Adagio - Allegro vivace e disinvolto
Sonatina In C Minor: Adagio
Adagio In E Flat Major: Adagio (ma non troppo)
Sonatine In C Major: Allegro
Variations In D Major

Tracks:

Trio For Piano Clarinet And Cello In B Flat Major: 1. Allegro con brio
Trio For Piano Clarinet And Cello In B Flat Major: 2. Adagio
Trio For Piano Clarinet And Cello In B Flat Major: 3.Tema. 'Pria ch'io l'impegno'. Allegretto - Allegro
Septet For Violin, Viola, Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon, Cello And Double Bass In E Flat Major: 1. Adagio - Allegro con brio
Septet For Violin, Viola, Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon, Cello And Double Bass In E Flat Major:: 2. Adagio cantabile
Septet For Violin, Viola, Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon, Cello And Double Bass In E Flat Major:: 3. Tempo di Menuetto
Septet For Violin, Viola, Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon, Cello And Double Bass In E Flat Major: 4. Tema. Andante con Variazioni
Septet For Violin, Viola, Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon, Cello And Double Bass In E Flat Major: 5. Scherzo. Allegro molto e vivace
Septet For Violin, Viola, Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon, Cello And Double Bass In E Flat Major: 6. Andante con moto alla Marcia - Presto
Fugue For String Quintet In D Major: Allegretto

Tracks:

Quintet For 2 Violins, 2 Violas And Cello In C Major: I. Allegro
Quintet For 2 Violins, 2 Violas And Cello In C Major: II. Adagio molto espressivo
Quintet For 2 Violins, 2 Violas And Cello In C Major: III. Scherzo. Allegro
Quintet For 2 Violins, 2 Violas And Cello In C Major: IV. Presto
Prelude And Fugue For 2 Violins And Cello In E Minor: Praeludium
Prelude And Fugue For 2 Violins And Cello In E Minor: Fuge
Six Minuets For Two Violins And Bass: No. 1 In E Flat Major
Six Minuets For Two Violins And Bass: No. 2 In G Major
Six Minuets For Two Violins And Bass: No. 3 In C Major
Six Minuets For Two Violins And Bass: No. 4 In F Major
Six Minuets For Two Violins And Bass: No. 5 In D Major
Six Minuets For Two Violins And Bass: No. 6 In G Major
Duet For Viola And Cello In E Flat Major: Allegro
Duet For Viola And Cello In E Flat Major: Allegretto
Six Landler For Two Violins And Bass: No. 1 In D Major
Six Landler For Two Violins And Bass: No. 2 In D Major
Six Landler For Two Violins And Bass: No. 3 In D Major
Six Landler For Two Violins And Bass: No. 4 In D Minor
Six Landler For Two Violins And Bass: No. 5 In D Major
Six Landler For Two Violins And Bass: No. 6 In D Major
Duet For Two Violins In A Major
Canon In A Major (Probably For Two Violins)

Tracks:

Six Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 1. Air ecossais: 'The Cottage Maid'. Tema. Andantino quasi Allegretto - Var. I-II - Var. III. Allegro - Tempo I
Six Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 2. Air ecossais: 'Von edlem Geschlect war Shinkin'. Tema. Allegretto scherzoso - Var. I-II - Var. III. Allegretto-Allegro
Six Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 3. Air autrichien: 'A Schusserl und a Reindl'. Tema. Andantino - Var. I-IV - Var. V. Adagio sostenuto, ma non troppo - Var. VI. Andante con moto
Six Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 4. Air ecossais: 'The Last Rose Of Summer'. Tema. Andante expressivo assai - Var. I-III
Six Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 5. Air ecossais: 'Chiling O'Guiry'. Tema. Allegretto spiritoso - Var. I-II - Var. III. Allegro assai
Six Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 6. Air ecossais: 'Paddy Whack'. Tema. Allegretto piu tosto vivace - Var. I-IV
Ten Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 1. Air tirolien: 'I bin a Tiroler Bua'. Tema. Moderato - Var. I-III - Var. IV. Allegro
Ten Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 2. Air ecossais: 'Bonnie Laddie, Highland Laddie'. Tema. Allegretto, quasi vivace - Var. I-III - Var. IV. Andante mosso, alla Siciliano - Allegro
Ten Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 3. Volkslied aus Kleinrussland. Tema. Vivace - Var. I-IV - Var. V. Adagio sostenuto - Tempo I
Ten Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: Air ecossais: 'St .Patrick's Day'. Tema. Allegretto scherzoso - Var. I - Var. II. Poco adagio - Vivace - Moderato - Tempo I
Ten Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 5. Air tirolien: 'A Madel, ja a Madel'. Tema. Moderato - Var. I-II - Var. III. Maestoso - Allegro
Ten Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 6. Air ecossais: 'Peggy's Daughter'. Tema. Andante comodo - Var. I-III - Var. IV. Vivace
Ten Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 7. Air russe: 'Schone Minka'. Tema. Andante - Var. I-IV - Var. V. Andante moderato - Var. VI. Allegro - Adagio - Andante commodo - Poco vivace
Ten Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 8. Air ecossais: 'O Mary At Thy Window Be'. Tema. Andantino quasi Allegretto - Var. I-III - Var. IV. Un poco piu mosso - Allegro assai
Ten Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 9. Air ecossais: 'Oh, Thou Art The Lad Of My Heart'. Tema. Allegretto piu tosto vivace - Var. I - Var. II. Cantabile e legato - Var. III - Var. IV. Andante espressivo - Var. V. Vivace
Ten Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 10. Air ecossais: 'The Highland Watch'. Tema. Spiritoso e marziale - Var. I-II - Var. III. Piu moto - Var. IV. Adagio espressivo - Var. V. Allegro
Duo For Two Flute In G Major: Allegro con brio
Duo For Two Flute In G Major: Minuetto quasi Allegretto

Customer Reviews:

The "Unknown" Beethoven..........2005-01-03

I think it would not be wrong to say that most casual listeners of classical music know Beethoven mostly by his orchestral works--the symphonies, piano concertos, violin concerto, and overtures. Those who go a little deeper might know him by the piano sonatas, violin sonatas, and string quartets; however, this misses a significant portion of his oeuvre--and a major facet of his ethos and art: specifically, the chamber works and lieder: this is the "unknown" Beethoven.

This collection is absolutely the best, finest, and most excellent presentation of Beethoven's chamber works: the Horn Sonata; the Piano-Wind Quintet; the Serenade for Flute, Violin, and Viola; the Clarinet Trio; the Septet for mixed strings & winds; and the String Quintet.

Plus, some really nice esoterica: the early piano quartets; trio for piano, flute & bassoon; pieces for mandolin & piano; and pieces for flute & piano.

All of these works fall into Beethoven's First Period; yet, they must not be considered "juvenalia": Beethoven was the greatest artist/poet who ever lived, and his genius was manifest from his teenage years.

Simply Delightful!.......2004-12-23

This is a wonderful collection of Beethoven chamber music. The recordings are intimate, the musicianship is superb...the music is timeless. The piano concerti are the real highlights here; I don't think they can be any better, and the other selections are very pleasant. If you like Beethoven chamber music (and I can't imagine NOT liking it), then this set is highly recommended. Every now and then you come across a boxed set of recordings that you can listen to over and over. This is one such set.

Brilliant if sometimes odd rhythm and tempo.......2001-01-10

This CD, part of the magnus opus of Beethoven's works committed to CD is wonderfully brilliant and evocative of the renditions of the early 1950's.

Although there are the rare rhythmic, and very rare tempo peculiarities this must remain as one of the finest renditions of Beethoven's Chamber Works. This is of course to be expected from works produced by DDG.

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tracks:

Allegro Moderato
Andante
Rondo
Moderato
Andante
Allegro
Allegro
Andante
Allegretto
Allegro Vivace
Andante
Rondo
Allegro Spiritoso
Andante Assai
Rondo
Andante
Theme And Variations

Average customer rating:

Franz Krommer: 6 Clarinet Quartets

Manufacturer: Cpo Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Krommer: Partitas for Wind Ensemble, Opp. 69, 76 and 79
Krommer: Partitas for Wind Ensemble
Symphonies Concertantes
Franz Krommer: Bassoon Quartets, Op. 46; W.A. Mozart: Sonata for Bassoon & Cello
Danzi: Bassoon Concertos

ASIN: B000001RUU
Release Date: 1995-01-25

Tracks:

Qt Op. Posth. in B flat: Allegro Moderato
Qt Op. Posth. in B flat: Adagio Sostenuto
Qt Op. Posth. in B flat: Rondo. Allegro
Qt Op.21 No.1 in E flat: Allegro Moderato
Qt Op.21 No.1 in E flat: Minuetto. Allegretto
Qt Op.21 No.1 in E flat: Romanza
Qt Op.21 No.1 in E flat: Rondo
Qt Op.21 No.2 in B flat: Allegro
Qt Op.21 No.2 in B flat: Romanza
Qt Op.21 No.2 in B flat: Minuetto. Allegretto
Qt Op.21 No.2 in B flat: Rondo

Tracks:

Qt Op.82 in D: Allegro Moderato
Qt Op.82 in D: Adagio
Qt Op.82 in D: Minuetto. Allegretto
Qt Op.82 in D: Rondo
Qt Op.83 in B flat: Allegro
Qt Op.83 in B flat: Andante
Qt Op.83 in B flat: Minuetto. Moderato
Qt Op.83 in B flat: Rondo
Qt Op.69 in E flat: Allegro Moderato
Qt Op.69 in E flat: Andante. Allegretto
Qt Op.69 in E flat: Rondo

Average customer rating:

Denon Classics 24/7 3

Manufacturer: Denon Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Denon Classics 24/7 2
Denon 24/7, Vol. 4
Denon Classics 24/7 1
Denon 24/7, Vol. 5

ASIN: B00006FN6L
Release Date: 2002-08-27

Tracks:

Also Sprach Zarathustra - Strauss
Quintet In A Minor - Mozart
Gavotte - Gossec
Four Seasons - Vivaldi
Symphony #3 - Saint-Saens
Symphony #9 - Beethoven
Symphony #1 - Brahms
Symphony #4 - Tchaikovsky
The Planets - Holst
Quartet In F Major - Dvorak
Cachucha - J. Strauss
Symphony #5 - Schubert
Symphony #6 - Haydn
Symphony #40 - Mozart

Tracks:

En Bateau - DeBussy
Quartet #6 In E Min - Telemann
Four Seasons - Vivaldi
Chorale - Bach
Symphony #2 - Brahms
Poem - Fibich
Gounod - Bach
Apref Un Reverio - Faure
Intro, Theme & Variations - Weber
Idyl For Strings - Janacek
Recuerdos - Tarrega
String Quartet #2 - Borodin
Chorale - Bach
Largo - Handel

Average customer rating:

Complete Mozart Work on Chamber Music
The very first and best Mozart for baby
Mozart Standards & Rarities
The Best in Chamber Music

Mozart: Quintets; Quartets; Etc.

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Mozart - Lucio Silla / Augér, Donath, Mathis, Varady, Krenn, Schreier; Hager
Violin Concertos
Mozart: String Quartets (Complete Mozart Edition, Vol. 12)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: String Quintets
Mozart: Complete String Trios & Duos

ASIN: B00000410R
Release Date: 1991-03-08

Tracks:

1. Allegro
Clarinet Quintet In A: 2. Larghetto
3. Menuetto
Clarinet Quintet In A: 4. Allegretto con variazioni
Horn Quintet In E Flat: 1. Allegro
Horn Quintet In E Flat: 2. Andante
Horn Quintet In E Flat: 3. Allegro
Oboe Quartet In F: 1. Allegro
Oboe Quartet In F: 2. Adagio
Oboe Quartet In F: 3. Rondeau (Allegro)
Sonata (Duo) For Bassoon And Cello In B Flat: 1. Allegro
Sonata (Duo) For Bassoon And Cello In B Flat: 2. Andante
Sonata (Duo) For Bassoon And Cello In B Flat: 3. Rondo (Allegro)

Tracks:

Flute Quartet In D: 1. Allegro
Flute Quartet In D: 2. Adagio -
Flute Quartet In D: 3. Rondeau
Flute Quartet In A: 1. Tema (Andante) con variazioni
Flute Quartet In A: 2. Menuetto
Flute Quartet In A: 3. Rondeau (Allegretto grazioso)
Flute Quartet In C: 1. Allegro
Flute Quartet In C: 2. Tema (Andantino) con variazioni
Flute Quartet In G: 1. Andante
Flute Quartet In G: 2. Tempo di menuetto

Tracks:

Two Original Movements From The String Wuintet In B Flat: 1. Trio
Two Original Movements From The String Wuintet In B Flat: 2. Finale (Allegro)
Minuet in F, KV 168a For String Quartet
Allegro In F, KV 288:246C For A Divertimento
Minuet In B flat, KV App. 68:589A For A String Quartet
Movement In A, KV App. 72:464A For A String Quartet
(Allegro) In B Flat, KV App. 80:514A For A String Quartet
Allegro In F, KV App. 90:580B
Allegro In G, KV App.66:562E For A String Trio
Allegro In B Flat, KV App. 91:516C For A Clarinet Quintet
Allegro Moderato In A Minor, KV App. 79 For A String Quintet

Customer Reviews:

Complete Mozart Work on Chamber Music.......2002-03-23

A memorable, complete set of Mozart for strings, winds and horn. This 3 volume set includes the first with winds (clarinet, horn, oboe and basson) while the second CD is all flute with William Bennett. The final CD is string with the incomplete compositions finalized admirably by Erik Smith.

Most memorable to this reviewer is the excellent Bassoon and Cello Sonata performed with controlled passion by Klaus Thunemann on bassoon and Stephen Orion on cello. The interplay of these rich mid-to-low tones is calming and exciting to listen to.

Next to this, the Oboe Quartet led by Neil Black's oboe performance is outstanding. William Bennett's flute offerings are well done, full of clarity and resonance. I've learned that wherever the name Antony Pay shows up, one is bound for a special treat of clarinet. No let down here either!

Very pleasant music to enjoy soft or loud.

The very first and best Mozart for baby.......2001-11-21

It is a CD set with the instant charm. Better yet, there is no dull moment from the begging to the end. If you are familiar to the Peter and the Wolf, you may know how appealing the wind instruments can be to the young child. In this set, you have one of Mozart mastery genres customized for this family. Along with warm performance and quality recording. Can't recommend enough for this particular set!

Mozart Standards & Rarities.......2001-07-28

Many of the works on these three CDs are works that are popular and familiar to almost everyone who has listened to them at one point of his or her life. The Clarinet Quintet, the Oboe Quartet, the Horn Quintets, and the Flute Quartets are all pieces that are familiar to all Mozart aficionados and are here giving eloquent and beautiful renderings by their respective performers: The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and also the Grumiaux Ensemble with flautist William Bennett. In addition there is a CD of Mozart chamber pieces that were never completed by Mozart during his lifetime including several abortive attempts at a clarinet quintet. These have been restored completed by Dr. Erik Smith and the performances are admirable.

The Best in Chamber Music.......2001-07-20

This was the first Box set of Mozart music I bought and it is still my favorite. Just put them in your CD player and sit back and enjoy. Most lovers of Mozart have probably heard most of the Quintets and Quartets before. But CD number 3 is special in that most of the music on it has never been recorded before. They are fragments of music Mozart composed but never completed or were disarded movements of other quartets that were lost. Great stuff well done by all artists. Well worth the money and a great addition to your collection of Mozart.

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 1 In C Minor, Op 51 No 1: I. Allegro
String Quartet No. 1 In C Minor, Op 51 No 1: II. Romanze. Poco Adagio.
String Quartet No. 1 In C Minor, Op 51 No 1: III. Allegretto molto moderato e comodo - Un poco piu animato
String Quartet No. 1 In C Minor, Op 51 No 1: IV. Allegro
String Quartet No. 3 In B-Flat Major, Op.67: I. Vivace
String Quartet No. 3 In B-Flat Major, Op.67: II. Andante
String Quartet No. 3 In B-Flat Major, Op.67: III. Agitato (Allegretto non troppo) - Trio
String Quartet No. 3 In B-Flat Major, Op.67: IV. Poco Allegretto con Variazioni - Doppio Movimento

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 2 In A Minor, Op. 51 No. 2: I. Allegro non troppo
String Quartet No. 2 In A Minor, Op. 51 No. 2: II. Andante moderato
String Quartet No. 2 In A Minor, Op. 51 No. 2: III. Quasi Minuetto, moderato - Allegretto vivace
String Quartet No. 2 In A Minor, Op. 51 No. 2: IV. Finale. Allegro non assai
Quintet For Clarinet, 2 Violins, Viola, And Violoncello In B Minor, Op 115: I. Allegro
Quintet For Clarinet, 2 Violins, Viola, And Violoncello In B Minor, Op 115: II. Adagio
Quintet For Clarinet, 2 Violins, Viola, And Violoncello In B Minor, Op 115: III. Andantino - Presto non assai, ma con sentimento
Quintet For Clarinet, 2 Violins, Viola, And Violoncello In B Minor, Op 115: IV. Con moto - Un poco meno mosso

Amazon.com essential recording

Brahms destroyed more string quartets than he permitted to survive, and it's a medium in which he was never fully comfortable. Like Mozart, he tended to overwrite, making his textures thick and heavy in an attempt to maintain absolute equality between the four parts. The Juilliard Quartet understands these works and turns in performances that are strong on rhythm and energy, keeping the textures light and the musical argument moving forward. Add to that an excellent performance of the Clarinet Quintet, and the result is essential listening for fans of this exceptional ensemble. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Ferocious Playing.......2003-03-12

Brahms is another of the many musical geniuses that seemed to populate the Romantic world. He excelled in almost every musical form - voice (solo, choral, accompanied), piano, concerto, symphony and chamber music. The latter is simultaneously both the most complex and cerebral while thoroughly intriguing and entertaining. They are not marked by grand soaring like the symphonies or the quirkiness of the piano works or even the emotion of the requiem.

As concert pieces they are unbeatable, continually melodic, oddly rhymthic, the interplay between the voices directed and modulated to effect. Best of all, there is the bare suppressed tension throughout almost all the movements and this is what a good chamber work must offer - that battle between a barely subdued frenzy and the yearning melody. This is an admirable recording, fully reproducing the composer and his intentions.

The only better setting would be in a small room with the players assembled a few yards away.

A fabuluous recording.......1999-02-10

The Juilliard outdoes itself here. This is a measured, thoughtful rendition of Brahms' string quartets (plus a lovely clarinet/strings quintet.) From a technical point of view, the CDs shine...the sound is vivid, immediate...it sounds LIVE. If you like Brahms, you'll love this.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Music Review

Straight from Vinyl [Import]

Au Jardin de Mon Coeur

Audran - La Mascotte

Casino Lights '99 [Live]

Atma Gyan [Box set] [Import]

89-99 [Enhanced]

America's 25 Favorite Hymns

All Mine [CD-single]

Alifone [CD-single] [Import]

Bach: Sonatas for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord

Blues 36 Chefs-D'oeuvre

Amorosa [Import]

Acid Jazz on the Rocks

Overbluecity

Time Remembered