Beethoven: String Quartets, Op. 18/1 & 18/2

On this CD:

1. String Quartet No. 1 in F major, Op. 18/1
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Peter Buck, Wilhelm Melcher, Melos-Quartett Stuttgart, Gerhard Voss, Hermann Voss

2. String Quartet No. 2 in G major ("Compliments") Op. 18/2
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Peter Buck, Wilhelm Melcher, Melos-Quartett Stuttgart, Gerhard Voss, Hermann Voss

Beethoven: String Quartets, Op. 18/1 & 18/2, Music, Peter Buck, Ludwig van Beethoven, Melos-Quartett Stuttgart, Hermann Voss, Gerhard Voss, Wilhelm Melcher, Chamber, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Quartet for Four String Instruments
Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A wonderful Beethoven cycle
  • A LONG TIME COMING AT THIS PRICE
  • What more can be said?
  • With the Best of the Best
  • What sound problems????
 Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet
Ludwig van Beethoven , Alban Berg Quartet , and Gerhard Schulz, Hatto Beyerle, Thomas Kakuska, Valentin Erben Günther Pichler
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas / Daniel Barenboim
  2. Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos
  3. Mozart: String Quartets Nos. 14 - 23
  4. Shostakovich: The String Quartets
  5. Complete String Quartets

ASIN: B000026D4J
Release Date: 1999-11-16

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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.
Beethoven: String Quartets - Borodin String Quartet (4 CDs)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Beethoven: String Quartets - Borodin String Quartet (4 CDs)

    Manufacturer: EMI Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    3. Twelfth Night: or, What You Will (Signet Classics)

    ASIN: B000090WCC
    Release Date: 2003-02-10

    Tracks:

    1. I Allegro
    2. II Allegretto Vivace E Sempre Scherzando
    3. III Adagio Molto E Mesto
    4. IV Theme Russe: Allegro
    5. I Introduzione: Andante Con Moto - Allegro Vivace
    6. II Andante Con Moto - Allegro Vivace
    7. III Menuetto: Grazioso
    8. IV Allegro Molto

    Tracks:

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

    Tracks:

    1. I Allegro Ma Non Tanto
    2. II Scherzo: Andante Scherzoso Quasi Allegretto
    3. III Menuetto: Allegretto
    4. IV Allegro - Prestissimo
    5. I Allegro
    6. II Menuetto
    7. III Andante Cantabile
    8. IV Allegro

    Tracks:

    1. I Adagio Ma Non Troppo - Allegro
    2. II Presto
    3. III Andante Con Moto, Ma Non Troppo
    4. IV Alla Danza Tedesca (Allegro Assai)
    5. V Cavatina (Adagio Molto Espressivo)
    6. Grosse Fuge In B Flat Major, Op. 133
    7. VI Finale (Allegro)
    Beethoven: Complete String Quartets
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Beethoven: Complete String Quartets
      Juilliard String Quartet
      Manufacturer: Sbme Import
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      1. The Beethoven Quartet Companion
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      4. Beethoven: String Quartets Op. 18
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      ASIN: B00006OA6A
      Release Date: 2002-11-11

      Tracks:

      1. 1-4 String Quartet No.1 In F Major, Op. 18 No.1
      2. 5-8 String Quartet No.2 In G Major, Op.18 No.2
      3. 9-12 String Quartet No.3 In D Major, Op.18 No.3
      4. 1-4 String Quartet No.4 In D Minor, Op. 18 No.3
      5. 5-8 String Quartet No.5 In A Major, Op.18 No.5
      6. 9-12 String Quartet No.6 In B-Flat Major, Op.18 No.6
      7. 1-4 String Quartet No.7 In F Major, Op.59 No.1
      8. 1-4 String Quartet No.8 In E Minor, Op.59 No.2
      9. 5-8 String Quartet No.9 In C Major, Op.59 No.3
      10. 1-4 String Quartet No.10 In E-Flat Major, Op. 74 "Harp"
      11. 5-8 String Quartet No.11 In F Minor Op.95
      12. 1-4 String Quartet No.12 In E-Flat Major, Op.127
      13. 5-11 String Quartet No.13 In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131
      14. 1-7 String Quartet No.14 In B-Flat Major, Op. 130
      15. 1-5 String Quartet No.15 In A Minor, Op.132
      16. 6-9 String Quartet No.16 In F Major, Op. 135
      Beethoven: String Quartets Opus 18 Nos 1 & 4 /Quatuor Mosaiques
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • The best
      • Superb Early Beethoven Quartets
      		 Beethoven: String Quartets Opus 18 Nos 1 & 4 /Quatuor Mosaiques

      Manufacturer: Astree
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      Similar Items:
      1. Beethoven: String Quartets Opus 18 Nos. 5 & 6
      2. Beethoven: String Quartets Opus 18 Nos. 2 & 3
      3. Haydn: String Quartets Op 64 Nos 2, 4, 5 /Quatuor Mosaiques
      4. Mozart: String Quartets /Quatuor Mosaiques
      5. Haydn: String Quartets Op 64 Nos 1, 3, 6 /Quatuor Mosaiques

      ASIN: B0009275TI
      Release Date: 2005-06-21

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars The best .......2007-03-16

      This is the best performance of this music I have ever heard.

      5 out of 5 stars Superb Early Beethoven Quartets.......2005-06-28

      'A paradox, a paradox, a most ingenious paradox.' -- W. S. Gilbert, 'Pirates of Penzance'

      I don't quite understand how this happens, but these performances of two of Beethoven's early quartets done by Quatuor Mosaïques on gut-strung instruments from the 17th and 18th centuries somehow sound more modern, more advanced than when played on modern instruments. One is used to hearing them played by modern-instrument quartets like the Emerson or the Takács Quartets and they sound quaint, Haydnesque, classical. In the present performances they sound dramatic, forward-looking and proto-Romantic. And, might I add, much more interesting. Obviously that is partly because Quatuor Mosaïques is a superb ensemble, but then so are the Emerson and the Takács. So, how to explain it? I think it has something to do with the SOUND of the instruments, softer, more rounded, more subtle, that is inherently more romantic in timbre than the clear-as-a-bell and almost clinical sound of 'modern' instruments. Whatever the explanation, these performances are, for me, revelatory.

      Added to that is the discovery that pairing Op. 18, No. 1 with Op. 18, No. 4 points out their contrasts neatly. No. 1 is nominally in a major key (F major), No. 4 in minor (C minor). But No. 1 has a minor key movement (the Adagio affettuoso ed appassionato), No. 4 has one in the major (the Andante scherzoso). Beethoven's sketchbooks reveal that he labored long and hard on the No. 1 -- there are a total of fifteen pages devoted to polishing the little one-measure theme of Mvt. I and its working out. But there are no sketches at all for No. 4; it's as if Beethoven had written it out in a flash, like Mozart had done with so many of his works. Yet, No. 1 sounds like a brilliant improvisation and No. 4 has such a complex form and working out that it sounds like the end result of complicated effort on Beethoven's part. A paradox, a paradox.

      These performances are simply superb. I have not generally been a fan of original instrument string quartet performances, at least in the early days, but the Quatuor Mosaïques seems head and shoulders above other similar groups. The members -- violins Erich Höbarth and Andrea Bischof, viola Anita Mitterer, and cello Christophe Coin -- met when they were all members of Nikolaus Harnoncourt's Concentus Musicus Wien, forming the quartet in 1989. They have risen to the top of their original-instrument category and indeed are among the finest quartets currently before the public. Their tuning is nigh perfect as is their ensemble. They play as one, and their musicianship is impeccable. They have been afforded lifelike sound by recording engineer Philip Nedel and producers Hervé Boissière and Helmut Muhle. Recorded in the Grafenegg Schloss 'Alte Reitschule' in Austria, the surround ambience gives them a natural aura.

      They have already recorded the other four quartets of Op. 18, and I have Nos. 4 & 6 in my review queue. I have not acquired Nos. 2 and 3, but undoubtedly, because of the quality of this disc, will do so.

      Urgently recomended, even to those who have multiple recordings of these quartets.

      TT=55:32

      Scott Morrison
      Beethoven: String Quartets, Op. 18
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • Great Recording! But who really needs another Beethoven cycle?
      • a fresh take on beethoven...
      		 Beethoven: String Quartets, Op. 18
      Miro Quartet , and Ludwig van Beethoven
      Manufacturer: Vanguard Classics
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      ASIN: B000A1IOIO
      Release Date: 2005-08-23

      Tracks:

      1. Quartet No. 1 in F major: Allegro con brio
      2. Adagio affetusoso ed appassionato
      3. Scherzo: Allegro molto
      4. Allegro
      5. Quartet No. 2 in G: Allegro
      6. Adagio cantabile
      7. Scherzo: Allegro
      8. Allegro molto, quasi Presto
      9. Quartet No. 3 in D major: Allegro
      10. Andante con moto
      11. Allegro
      12. Presto

      Tracks:

      1. Quartet No. 4 in C Minor: Allegro ma non tanto
      2. Andante scherzoso quasi Allegretto
      3. Menuetto: Allegro
      4. Allegro
      5. Quartet No. 5 in A Major: Allegro
      6. Menuetto
      7. Andante cantabile
      8. Allegro
      9. Quartet No. 6 in B-flat Major: Allegro con brio
      10. Adagio ma non troppo
      11. Scherzo: Allegro
      12. La Malinconia: Adagio Allegretto quasi Allegro

      Album Description

      Beethoven's complete early string quartets, Opus 18, performed by the Miro Quartet.

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Great Recording! But who really needs another Beethoven cycle?.......2005-12-11

      The Miro Quartet certainly brings the noise on this excellent recording of the opus 18 quartets. That being said, while they are great pieces, I'm tired of the opus 18 quartets. I'm looking forward to their late quartets, as you know that they will do a lot more than merely phone in the funk on the Grosse Fugue.

      5 out of 5 stars a fresh take on beethoven..........2005-10-09

      I initially found it a little strange that of all the string quartet literature available, the Miro had decided on the Beethoven op. 18 SQs. There have already been so many recordings, but somehow the quartet has managed to convince even me, not a huge fan of Beethoven in general, into loving these works. Miro plays with a kind of freakish technical accuracy (even in live performance), but still brings a huge palette of colors and fresh musical ideas to these often recorded and performed quartets. Pay special attention to No. 1 and No. 4.

      I highly recommend seeing them play live (as I'm sure Beethoven will make up a staple of their rep for the year), just to see the commanding, yet approachable presence they have as a group on the stage. For students especially, it's a great lesson in chamber music without ever picking up your instrument! All in all, the new CD is a gem, but coming from Miro, I wouldn't expect anything less.
      Beethoven: The String Quartets
      Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
      • 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:

      1. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 18 No. 1: Allegro con brio
      2. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 18 No. 1: Adagio affettuoso ed appassionato
      3. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 18 No. 1: Scherzo. Allegro molto
      4. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 18 No. 1: Allegro
      5. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 18 No.2: Allegro
      6. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 18 No.2: Adagio cantabile - Allegro - Tempo I
      7. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 18 No.2: Scherzo. Allegro
      8. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 18 No.2: Allegro molto quasi Presto
      9. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 18 No.3: Allegro
      10. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 18 No.3: Andante con moto
      11. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 18 No.3: Allegro
      12. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 18 No.3: Presto

      Tracks:

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

      Tracks:

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

      Tracks:

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

      Tracks:

      1. String Quartet In F Minor, Op. 95: Allegro con brio
      2. String Quartet In F Minor, Op. 95: Allegretto ma non troppo - attacca:
      3. String Quartet In F Minor, Op. 95: Allegro assai vivace ma serioso
      4. String Quartet In F Minor, Op. 95: Larghetto espressivo - Allegretto agitato
      5. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 127: Maestoso - Allegro
      6. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 127: Adagio, ma non troppo e molto cantabile - Andante con moto - Adagio molto espressivo
      7. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 127: Scherzando vivace - Presto
      8. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 127: Finale
      9. Great Fugue In B Flat Major, Op. 133: Overtura. Allegro - Fuga:
      10. Great Fugue In B Flat Major, Op. 133: Meno mosso e moderato
      11. Great Fugue In B Flat Major, Op. 133: Allegro molto e con brio
      12. Great Fugue In B Flat Major, Op. 133: Meno mosso e moderato
      13. Great Fugue In B Flat Major, Op. 133: Allegro molto e con brio
      14. Great Fugue In B Flat Major, Op. 133: Allegro

      Tracks:

      1. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 130: Adagio ma non troppo - Allegro
      2. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 130: Presto
      3. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 130: Andante con moto, ma non troppo
      4. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 130: Alla danza tedesca. Allegro assai
      5. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 130: Cavatina. Adagio molto espressivo - attacca:
      6. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 130: Finale. Allegro
      7. String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: Adagio, ma non troppo e molto espressivo - attacca:
      8. String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: Allegro molto vivace - attacca:
      9. String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: Allegro moderato - attacca:
      10. 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
      11. String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: Presto - Molto poco adagio - attacca:
      12. String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: Adagio quasi un poco andante - attacca:
      13. String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Op. 131: Allegro

      Tracks:

      1. String Quartet In A Minor, Op. 132: Assai sostenuto - Allegro
      2. String Quartet In A Minor, Op. 132: Allegro ma non tanto
      3. 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
      4. String Quartet In A Minor, Op. 132: Alla marcia, assai vivace - Piu allegro - attacca:
      5. String Quartet In A Minor, Op. 132: Allegro appassionato
      6. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 135: Allegretto
      7. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 135: Vivace
      8. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 135: Lento assai e cantante tranquillo
      9. 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:

      4 out of 5 stars 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.

      4 out of 5 stars 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!

      1 out of 5 stars 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.

      5 out of 5 stars 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.

      5 out of 5 stars 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: Key to the Quartets / Emerson String Quartet
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Beethoven: Key to the Quartets / Emerson String Quartet

        Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

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        1. Mozart: String quartets K. 465 "Dissonance", K. 458 "The Hunt" & K. 421
        2. Mozart: String Quartets KV387 and KV421
        3. Dvorák, Tchaikovsky, Borodin: Quartets
        4. Emerson Encores
        5. Haydn: String Quartets Op. 76, Nos. 1-3

        ASIN: B0000041KW
        Release Date: 1997-03-11

        Tracks:

        1. Op. 18, No. 4: I. Allegro
        2. Op. 18, No. 1: II. Adagio
        3. Op. 18, No. 5: II. Menuetto
        4. Op. 59, No. 3, 'Razumovsky': IV. Finale
        5. Op. 74, 'Harp': I. Adagio - Allegro
        6. Op. 95, 'Serioso': I. Allegro
        7. Op. 132: III. Heiliger Dankgesang
        8. Op. 130: II. Presto
        9. Op. 130: IV. Alla danza tedesca
        10. Op. 130: V. Cavatina
        11. Op. 135: IV. Finale
        Beethoven: Complete String Quartets
        Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
        • Absolutely top class
        • Very special
        • Marvelous, just marvelous
        • Magnificent Reading of Challenging Music
        • Warm, excellent performances
        		 Beethoven: Complete String Quartets
        Ludwig van Beethoven , and Le Quatuor Talich
        Manufacturer: Calliope France
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

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        Similar Items:
        1. Tchaikovsky: Symphonies Nos. 1-6
        2. Mozart: The Six String Quintets
        3. Shostakovich: Symphony No. 10, Stravinsky: Concerto in D for Violin and Orchestra
        4. Leos Janácek: Cunning Little Vixen (Suite) / Sinfonietta / Schluck & Jau / Jealousy (Original Prelude) / Kát'a Kabanová (Overture & Interludes) / Taras Bulba / Sárka (Overture) - Sir Charles Mackerras / Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
        5. EMI Great Recordings of Century - Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4/Klemperer

        ASIN: B00004YX0R
        Release Date: 2000-10-10

        Tracks:

        1. Qt in F, Op.18 No.1: Allegro Con Brio
        2. Qt in F, Op.18 No.1: Adagio Affetuoso Appassionato
        3. Qt in F, Op.18 No.1: Scherzo (Allegro Molto)
        4. Qt in F, Op.18 No.1: Allegro
        5. Qt in G, Op.18 No.2 'Compliment-Qt': Allegro
        6. Qt in G, Op.18 No.2 'Compliment-Qt': Adagio Cantabile - Allegro
        7. Qt in G, Op.18 No.2 'Compliment-Qt': Scherzo (Allegro)
        8. Qt in G, Op.18 No.2 'Compliment-Qt': Allegro Molto Quasi Presto
        9. Qt in D, Op.18 No.3: Allegro
        10. Qt in D, Op.18 No.3: Andante Con Moto
        11. Qt in D, Op.18 No.3: Allegor
        12. Qt in D, Op.18 No.3: Presto

        Tracks:

        1. Qt in c, Op.18 No.4: Allegro Ma Non Tanto
        2. Qt in c, Op.18 No.4: Andante Scherzo Quasi Allegretto
        3. Qt in c, Op.18 No.4: Menuetto (Allegretto)
        4. Qt in c, Op.18 No.4: Allegro
        5. Qt in A, Op.18 No.5: Allegro
        6. Qt in A, Op.18 No.5: Menuetto
        7. Qt in A, Op.18 No.5: Andante Cantabile
        8. Qt in A, Op.18 No.5: Allegro
        9. Qt in B flat, Op.18 No.6 'La Malinconia': Allegro Con Brio
        10. Qt in B flat, Op.18 No.6 'La Malinconia': Adagio Ma Non Troppo
        11. Qt in B flat, Op.18 No.6 'La Malinconia': Scherzo (Allegro)
        12. Qt in B flat, Op.18 No.6 'La Malinconia': Adagio: La Malinconia - Allegretto Quasi Allegro...

        Tracks:

        1. Grande Fugue in B flat, Op.133
        2. Qt No.11 in f, Op.95: Allegro Con Brio
        3. Qt No.11 in f, Op.95: Allegretto Ma Non Troppo
        4. Qt No.11 in f, Op.95: Allegro Assai Vivace Ma Serioso
        5. Qt No.11 in f, Op.95: Larghetto Esperessivo - Allegro Agitato
        6. Qt No.12 in E flat, Op.127: Maestoso - Allegro
        7. Qt No.12 in E flat, Op.127: Adagio Ma Non Troppo E Molto Cantabile
        8. Qt No.12 in E flat, Op.127: Scherzando Vivace
        9. Qt No.12 in E flat, Op.127: Finale

        Tracks:

        1. Qt No.10 in E flat, Op.74: Poco Adagio - Allegro
        2. Qt No.10 in E flat, Op.74: Adagio Ma Non Troppo
        3. Qt No.10 in E flat, Op.74: Presto
        4. Qt No.10 in E flat, Op.74: Allegro Con Variazioni
        5. Qt No.7 in F, Op.59 No.1: Allegro
        6. Qt No.7 in F, Op.59 No.1: Allegretto
        7. Qt No.7 in F, Op.59 No.1: Adagio Molto E Mesto - Allegro

        Tracks:

        1. Qt No.13 in B flat, Op.130: Adagio Ma Non Troppo - Allegro
        2. Qt No.13 in B flat, Op.130: Presto
        3. Qt No.13 in B flat, Op.130: Andante Con Moto Ma Non Troppo
        4. Qt No.13 in B flat, Op.130: A La Danza Tedesca (Allegro Assai)
        5. Qt No.13 in B flat, Op.130: Cavatine (Adagio Molto Espressivo)
        6. Qt No.13 in B flat, Op.130: Finale: Allegro
        7. Qt No.8 in E, Op.59 No.2: Allegro
        8. Qt No.8 in E, Op.59 No.2: Molto Adagio
        9. Qt No.8 in E, Op.59 No.2: Allegretto
        10. Qt No.8 in E, Op.59 No.2: Finale: Presto

        Tracks:

        1. Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: Adagio Ma Non Troppo E Molto Expressivo
        2. Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: Allegro Molto Vivace
        3. Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: Allegro Moderato - Adagio - Piu Vivace
        4. Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: Andante Ma Non Troppo E Molto Cantabile
        5. Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: Presto
        6. Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: Adagio Quasi Un Poco Andante
        7. Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: Allegro
        8. Qt No.9 in C, Op.59 No.3: Andante Con Moto - Allegro Vivace
        9. Qt No.9 in C, Op.59 No.3: Andante Con Moto Quasi Allegretto
        10. Qt No.9 in C, Op.59 No.3: Menuetto
        11. Qt No.9 in C, Op.59 No.3: Allegro Molto

        Tracks:

        1. Qt No.16 in F, Op.135: Allegretto
        2. Qt No.16 in F, Op.135: Vivace
        3. Qt No.16 in F, Op.135: Lento Assai, Cantate E Tranquillo
        4. Qt No.16 in F, Op.135: Grave Ma Non Troppo Tratto - Allegro
        5. Qt No.15 in a, Op.132: Assai Sostenuto - Allegro
        6. Qt No.15 in a, Op.132: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
        7. Qt No.15 in a, Op.132: Molto Adagio
        8. Qt No.15 in a, Op.132: Alla Marcia, Assai Vivace - Piu Allegro - Finale

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars Absolutely top class.......2005-08-20

        I really can't understand the previous comment about "period instruments". The instruments used for these interpretations ARE such:

        Violin : Petr Messiereur (Peter Guarnerius, 1703)
        Violin : Jan Kvapil (Laurentius Guadagnini, 1741)
        Viola : Jan Talich (Laurentius Guadagnini, 1742)
        Cello : Evzen Rattay (Stradivarius, 1690)

        "Of course", this information is not available at the poor booklet that comes with the box.
        I think this recording is one of the greatest around, right after the legendary Vlach and Vegh interpretations- which are, quite unfortunately, both rather poorly recorded.
        This cycle is both finely recorded (analogue at its best) and fantastically interpreted- so it deserves 6 stars for the preformance and 2 stars for the package. The average does not sum up to 5, but I do give 5 stars, simply because a better compromise is simply impossible to find...

        4 out of 5 stars Very special.......2005-06-07

        No doubt quite good interpretations. They are non the less also some of the most peculiar. That is perhaps partly due to the engineering, the ambience of the sound, but also to the playing style. This quartet sounds different from all other quartets I have ever heard. The bow on the strings often sounds very ugly, like somebody filing some metal. It is something feverish about it, at the same time something frail. It makes me think of sunshine stinging in the eyes. Suffice it to say that it is nothing fleshy about the sound of this quartet. Tempos are mostly brisk, the touch is light - in spite of the filing sound, which also can be described as a thin, withered, squeaky sound. Summa summarum: This quartet gives a so peculiar atmosphere to the Beethoven quartets that it is no point in comparing to other quartets, just as summer cannot feel like winter. This is summer. Summer heat, sultry, close, smoky, of barbeque or rubbish fire of withered leaves... I feel that these recordings are quite aristocratic, of very good taste, delicate, intimate. This has nothing to do with "old world", as both the Alban Berg quartet and Quartetto Italiano are (were?) "old world" and yet a far cry from Talich. I love to have this one in my collection, because it gives something not any other quartet gives.
        Not my first choice, however, I would rather go for Takacs (op. 18), Takacs or Tokyo (middle quartets). To me, Tokyo rules when it comes to the late quartets, but that's me. I guess most people will prefer the Takacs quartet all the way, with the exception of the Quartetto Italiano congregation. Talich is something special, but very good as such.

        5 out of 5 stars Marvelous, just marvelous.......2004-02-11

        There's no need for italics when playing Beethoven. The music will speak for itself just fine, and that's just the approach Talich has chosen. These guys are as good, technically speaking, as anybody but what stands out is how unassuming they are. None of that "look Ma, see how fast I can play" that we get from the Emersons. Anyway, this is the set for you. Yes, I've heard others -- Italiano, Budapest, Guarneri, and Tokyo -- and the Talich has them beat across the full cycle of 16.

        5 out of 5 stars Magnificent Reading of Challenging Music.......2004-02-05

        I'm normally a period-instrument listener, almost to the exclusion of everything else. There is no complete cycle of Beethoven's string quartets on period instruments, so I hunted around for a good modern instrument set, and was directed to this one. I am thrilled with the result. The Quatuor Talich give a magnificent reading of this music, allowing the graces and nuances of Beethoven's sometimes fiendishly difficult music to shine through.

        Two words of criticism--the cover for the box set has got to be THE WORST classical album cover I have ever seen--godawful Blake-meets-Stanley Kubrick garbage that belongs on an album of bad early-80s synthesiser music. AND--Amazon customers, be warned: I picked up this set at a local record store for $39.98 CANADIAN--that's $29.98 in the US at current coversion rates. Why is Amazon stiffing its customers by charging $55.00 US? This is supposed to be a bargain-basement set (as the bargain-basement cover will tell you). Please, Amazon, reprice this fine set now!

        5 out of 5 stars Warm, excellent performances.......2003-11-22

        I agree with the 4 earlier reviewers. I've listened to a number of other highly regarded performances, including those from the Italian, Emerson, and Lindsays, and the Talich Quartet are the best hands down. I think that it's possible to get a feel for some of the best performances by reading reviews, but the only way to find the best performance for you is to listen to them yourself. The samples on Amazon do help in that regard, and still better is to be able to sample longer passages at a book or music store, etc. You can hear extended excerpts from the Emerson String Quartet at the NPR Performance Today website. According to the experts at NPR, the Emerson are supposed to be the best, but for my 2 cents they are way too rushed, and the Talich blows them away. But do your own due diligence.
        Beethoven: String Quartets, Op. 18/1-3
        Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
        • Sublime Musicianship
        • Strong and Lively
        		 Beethoven: String Quartets, Op. 18/1-3

        Manufacturer: Telarc
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

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        1. Beethoven: String Quartets, Op. 18, Nos. 4 & 5
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        ASIN: B000003D0L
        Release Date: 2003-11-25

        Tracks:

        1. I. Allegro Con Brio
        2. II. Adagio Affettuoso Ed Appassionato
        3. III. Scherzo: Allegro Molto; Trio
        4. IV. Allegro
        5. I. Allegro
        6. II. Adagio Cantabile
        7. III. Scherzo: Allegro; Trio
        8. IV. Allegro Molto, Quasi Presto
        9. I. Allegro
        10. II. Andante Con Moto
        11. III. Allegro
        12. IV. Presto

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars Sublime Musicianship.......2006-04-23

        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 ("CQ") deserves a sixth star. All four groups play together seamlessly and capture all of the energy and passion of Beethoven, but the CQ also has an extra touch of lyrical magic and smooth refinement in the quality of their performance. The musicians perform with an elegance as smooth as silk, while also capturing the liveliness and intensity of the quartets' allegro movements.

        I have listened to this CD many times and thoroughly enjoyed it every time. In the allegro, scherzo, and presto movements there is a wonderful interaction between the violins and viola, playing the melody, and the cello, providing strong rhythm and anchoring the melody while, at the same time, playing in opposition to it and at other times also playing the melody; the 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.

        In the adagio and andante movements, all of the wonderful passion in the ebb and flow of these movements are present together with exquisite tenderness and lyricism, all conveyed with the CQ's love for these quartets, as well as their technical brilliance, that makes listening to this music an absolute joy. The Adagio Affettuoso ed Appassionato of Quartet, Op. 18, No. 1, with its changes in tempo and rising and falling moments, alternating between relaxation and sudden intensity, is a radiant musical gem.

        The sound quality of this digital recording made in September of 1993 and May of 1994 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 CQ. The CD booklet even includes on the final page some very 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 highest recommendation.

        5 out of 5 stars Strong and Lively.......2000-09-05

        There are plenty of good places to go for recordings of Beethoven string quartets. I first fell in love with these works through listening at my library to the Guarneri String Quartet's rendition. When I first started collecting the quartets myself, I was hesitant to splurge on a two disk set for each period, and that is when I discovered the Cleveland quartet. For practical purposes, it is nice to be able to buy the quartets a little more selectively-- you can acquire the quartets one disk at a time! (Though over the years I have inevitably collected all the quartets.) For aesthetic purposes, the Cleveland quartet offers technically polished performances with brisk tempos (just the way Beethoven would have like them), and lively interpretations.

        The Op. 18 quartets of Beethoven's reveal his still present youth, showing clearly the influence of Mozart and Haydn as Beethoven grows and asserts himself stylistically. These are lively, playful works, and they possess an energy that only Beethoven can bestow upon the music. One should really have the complete Op. 18 set, but if you are looking for an introduction to Beethoven's quartets, this is a wonderful place to begin.
        Beethoven: Complete String Quartets
        Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
        • An excellent deal
        • Great bargain!!!
        • Overall, great value
        • Pleasant sounds for an economic price
        • A Bargain, for Sure
        		 Beethoven: Complete String Quartets

        Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

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        Similar Items:
        1. Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas
        2. Brahms: Complete String Quartets, Quintets & Sextets
        3. Shostakovich: The String Quartets
        4. Brahms: Works for Solo Piano
        5. Beethoven: Piano Sonatas (Complete) [Box Set]

        ASIN: B0000037BC
        Release Date: 1995-03-29

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In F Major, Opus 18 No. 1: I. Allegro con brio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        2. String Quartet In F Major, Opus 18 No. 1: II. Adagio affettuoso ed appassionato - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        3. String Quartet In F Major, Opus 18 No. 1: III. Scherzo: Allegro molto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        4. String Quartet In F Major, Opus 18 No. 1: IV. Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        5. String Quartet In G Major, Opus 18 No. 2: I. Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        6. String Quartet In G Major, Opus 18 No. 2: II. Adagio cantabile - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        7. String Quartet In G Major, Opus 18 No. 2: III. Scherzo: Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        8. String Quartet In G Major, Opus 18 No. 2: IV. Allegro molto quasi Presto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        9. String Quartet In D Major, Opus 18 No. 3: I. Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        10. String Quartet In D Major, Opus 18 No. 3: II. Andante - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        11. String Quartet In D Major, Opus 18 No. 3: III. Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        12. String Quartet In D Major, Opus 18 No. 3: IV. Presto - Ludwig Van Beethoven

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In C Minor, Opus 18 No. 4: I. Allegro ma non tanto - L.V. Beethoven
        2. String Quartet In C Minor, Opus 18 No. 4: II Scherzo: Andante scherzoso quasi Allegretto - L.V. Beethoven
        3. String Quartet In C Minor, Opus 18 No. 4: III. Menuetto e Trio: Allegretto - L.V. Beethoven
        4. String Quartet In C Minor, Opus 18 No. 4: IV. Allegro - L.V. Beethoven
        5. String Quartet In A Major, Opus 18 No. 5: I. Allegro - L.V. Beethoven
        6. String Quartet In A Major, Opus 18 No. 5: II. Menuetto e Trio - L.V. Beethoven
        7. String Quartet In A Major, Opus 18 No. 5: III. Andante cantabile - L.V. Beethoven
        8. String Quartet In A Major, Opus 18 No. 5: IV. Allegro - L.V. Beethoven
        9. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Opus 18 No. 6: I. Allegro con brio - L.V. Beethoven
        10. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Opus 18 No. 6: II. Adagio ma non troppo - L.V. Beethoven
        11. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Opus 18 No. 6: III. Scherzo e Trio: Allegro - L.V. Beethoven
        12. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Opus 18 No. 6: IV. La Malinconia: Adagio - Allegretto quasi Allegro - L.V. Beethoven

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In C Major, Opus 29: I. Allegro moderato - L.V. Beethoven
        2. String Quartet In C Major, Opus 29: II. Adagio molto espressivo - L.V. Beethoven
        3. String Quartet In C Major, Opus 29: III. Scherzo & Trio: Allegro - L.V. Beethoven
        4. String Quartet In C Major, Opus 29: IV. Presto - L.V. Beethoven
        5. String Quartet In F Major, Opus 59 No. 1 'Razumovsky': I. Allegro - L.V. Beethoven
        6. String Quartet In F Major, Opus 59 No. 1 'Razumovsky': II. Allegretto vivace e sempre scherzando - L.V. Beethoven
        7. String Quartet In F Major, Opus 59 No. 1 'Razumovsky': III. Adagio molto e mesto - L.V. Beethoven
        8. String Quartet In F Major, Opus 59 No. 1 'Razumovsky': IV. Theme Russe: Allegro - L.V. Beethoven

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In E Minor, Opus 59 No. 2 'Razumovsky': I. Allegro - Beethoven
        2. String Quartet In E Minor, Opus 59 No. 2 'Razumovsky': II. Molto Adagio - Beethoven
        3. String Quartet In E Minor, Opus 59 No. 2 'Razumovsky': III. Allegretto - Beethoven
        4. String Quartet In E Minor, Opus 59 No. 2 'Razumovsky': IV. Finale: Presto - Beethoven
        5. String Quartet In C Major, Opus 59 No. 3 'Razumovsky': I. Introduzione: Andante con moto - Allegro vivace - Beethoven
        6. String Quartet In C Major, Opus 59 No. 3 'Razumovsky': II. Andante con moto quasi Allegretto - Beethoven
        7. String Quartet In C Major, Opus 59 No. 3 'Razumovsky': III. Menuetto: Grazioso - Beethoven
        8. String Quartet In C Major, Opus 59 No. 3 'Razumovsky': IV. Allegro molto - Beethoven

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Opus 74 'Harp': I. Poco Adagio - Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        2. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Opus 74 'Harp': II. Adagio ma non troppo - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        3. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Opus 74 'Harp': III. Presto - Piu presto quasi prestissimo - Tempo 1 - Piu presto quasi prestissimo - Tempo 1 - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        4. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Opus 74 'Harp': IV. Allegretto con Variazioni - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        5. String Quartet In F Minor, Opus 95 'Quartetto serioso': I. Allegro con brio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        6. String Quartet In F Minor, Opus 95 'Quartetto serioso': II. Allegretto ma non troppo - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        7. String Quartet In F Minor, Opus 95 'Quartetto serioso': III. Allegro assai vivace ma serioso - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        8. String Quartet In F Minor, Opus 95 'Quartetto serioso': IV. Larghetto espressivo - Allegretto agitato - Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Opus 130: I. Adagio ma non troppo - Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        2. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Opus 130: II. Presto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        3. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Opus 130: III. Andante con moto ma non troppo - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        4. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Opus 130: IV. Alla danza tedesca. Allegro assai - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        5. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Opus 130: V. Cavatina. Adagio molto espressivo - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        6. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Opus 130: VI. Gosse Fuge, Op.133 - Original Finale of Op. 130 - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        7. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Opus 130: VII. Finale (Allegro) - Replacement Finale of Op. 130 - Ludwig Van Beethoven

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Opus 127: I. Maestoso - Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        2. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Opus 127: II. Adagio, ma non troppo e molto cantabile - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        3. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Opus 127: III. Scherzando vivace - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        4. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Opus 127: IV. Finale - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        5. String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Opus 131: No. 1 Adagio ma non troppo e molto espressivo - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        6. String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Opus 131: No. 2 Allegro molto vivace - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        7. String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Opus 131: No. 3 Allegro moderato - Adagio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        8. String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Opus 131: No. 4 Andante ma non troppo e molto cantabile - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        9. String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Opus 131: No. 5 Presto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        10. String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Opus 131: No. 6 Adagio quasi un poco andante - Ludwig Van Beethoven
        11. String Quartet In C Sharp Minor, Opus 131: No. 7 Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In A minor, Opus 132: I. Assai sostenuto - Allegro - L.V. Beethoven
        2. String Quartet In A minor, Opus 132: II. Allegro ma non tanto - L.V. Beethoven
        3. String Quartet In A minor, Opus 132: IV. Heiliger Dankgesang eines Genesenen an die Gottheit in der Lydischen Tonart: Molto adagio - Andante - L.V. Beethoven
        4. String Quartet In A minor, Opus 132: I.V Alla Marcia, assai vivace - Piu allegro - L.V. Beethoven
        5. String Quartet In A minor, Opus 132: V. Allegro appassionato - L.V. Beethoven
        6. String Quartet In F Major, Opus 135: I. Allegretto - L.V. Beethoven
        7. String Quartet In F Major, Opus 135: II. Vivace - L.V. Beethoven
        8. String Quartet In F Major, Opus 135: III. Lento assai, cantante e tranquillo - L.V. Beethoven
        9. String Quartet In F Major, Opus 135: IV. Grave ma non troppo - Allegro - L.V. Beethoven

        Amazon.com

        Beethoven's quartets are a cornerstone of Western music, and this bargain-priced set of all of them is wonderful. The Medici, an English quartet, play without frill or exaggeration, and their techniques cannot be faulted. From the joy of some of the early works to the torment of the last handful (and "Grosse Fuge"), they communicate all the composer's humanity. This eight-CD set is a real find. --Robert Levine

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars An excellent deal.......2006-10-16

        This bargain box, is an excellent deal. The Medici Quartet make listening to these masterpieces a very enjoyable experience indeed. I know they're not perfectly done, but they're more enjoyable than most of the Beethoven quartet recordings that's for sure. The discs sound quality is dreamy good and the Medici Quartet are musical without exception.

        Highlights: Op. 18, Op. 95, Op. 127 and 131.
        Almost every performance sparkles, and the price is mind-boggling.

        5 out of 5 stars Great bargain!!!.......2006-04-27

        The Medici Quartet's Beethoven cycle is a great bargain. Here you'll find some magical performances with only a few flaws. But for me, these "flaws" are just a friendly reminder of how hard this music is to play. The sound quality is large in that Nimbus records way, but it works. As John from New York wrote: turning up the bass -one notch- is a good idea, but not essential. These recordings are crisp, clear, and brilliantly performed. The only performances I didn't care for were Op. 59 no. 1, Op. 130 and Op. 133. But, the rest ranged from really good to great, which includes a beautiful string quintet Op.29.

        Call me nuts or musically uneducated, but I'd take these over the Takacs Quartet's Beethoven anytime.

        4 out of 5 stars Overall, great value.......2006-01-26

        I have not heard too many entire sets of the Beethoven Quartets but I would be shocked if there is one set with 16 outstanding performances. It just does not happen. This bargain set has 13 excellent performances out of 17 (it also includes the opus 29 quintet). The weak performances are from opus 18: Nos. 1, 4 and 6 plus opus 95. I found the rest to be quite wonderful, especially opus 74, 127 and 135. This 8 CD set costs the same as two full-priced CDs. You can't go wrong at that price.

        4 out of 5 stars Pleasant sounds for an economic price.......2005-12-24

        I agree whole-heartedly with the previous reviewer that the Medici String Quartet's performances on this CD Box Collection are by no means the highest of quality interpretation of Beethoven's renown String Quartets, yet they are far from the worst. I found the recording to be pristine and clear, and found it quite enjoyable. I would not consider this collection free from flaws, nor could I many other, yet I find that this collection's extremely great price outweighs any of its flaws.

        In conclusion, I rate this interpretation 4 stars for its steal of a price and minimal flaws. For the average consumer lacking 50 to a 100+ dollars to spend on a single music purchase, this is the perfect collection for you. If this is not an issue,however, then go for the higher quality reproductions (although I have no doubt that this version is very well sufficient and enjoyable for the casual and enthusiast buyers alike).

        4 out of 5 stars A Bargain, for Sure.......2005-09-21

        I certainly agree that this set is a deal--lots of Beethoven, in committed performances and fine sound, for very little money. Realistically, the Medici Quartet do their best work in the Early Quartets, capturing all the confidence and swagger of the young Beethoven announcing his mastery in chamber music's most challenging medium. Equally fine is the Medici's bonus String Quintet in C, which despite being written on the verge of Beethoven's Middle Period is one of his most classically poised chamber works.

        In the Middle and Late Quartets, where the challenge from big-name string quartets is fierce, the Medici are not quite as effective. Some critics say a string quartet is only as strong as its cello player since this member must be relied on to give weight and contour to a performance. If that's the case, the Medici's Anthony Lewis lets the quartet down somewhat. His intonation is not always dead-on, and in some of the more difficult music--such as Opus 59, No. 3, with its breakneck fugal finale and first movement with exposed runs for the cello--he doesn't quite come through for the Medici. This certainly doesn't disqualify the set from serious consideration; the performances are still well judged and mostly well played. It's just that the set won't be a first choice if you want the very finest performances. In that case you will probably want to turn to the Takacs on Decca, for instance.

        On the other hand, mistakes by the Medici are few; maybe the most glaring is the allegretto tempo the quartet takes for the scherzo of the Opus 95. Beethoven's marking: Allegro assai vivace. Just listen to the limp impression that the Medici make, and you will realize that Beethoven knew what he was asking for. Any slower tempo drains this music of its superbly manic quality. The tempo choice throws a wet blanket as well on the last movement, where Beethoven seems to be trying out a new chamber music language before the lighthearted, almost mocking coda in the major key. In this work, Beethoven is just about to turn the corner toward his Late Period. The quartet should seethe with the restlessness of a composer on the verge of a breakthrough. The Medici seem oblivious to the fact. And surprisingly, despite their vigorous performances of the Early Quartets, their playing in the Haydnesque replacement finale of Op. 130 lacks dash and wit.

        Otherwise, the performances here are thoroughly solid even if they are without great distinction. Then again, the performances of the Early Quartets and of the Quintet seem just about perfect to me. And the sound is first-class throughout. So if you want a very respectable overview of the Beethoven String Quartets at a budget price, the Medici version is entirely recommendable.

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