BEETHOVEN LATE STRING QUARTETS

[Auntie Lynn]

I need some help with CD’s of the Beethoven late string quartets. It seems to me we had a thread on this in the past, but I can’t find it. The last Schwann lists the Alban Berg, Alexander, Amadeus, Cleveland, Emerson, Medici, Quartetto Italiano, Vermeer and Vegh for the COMPLETE quartets, which is what I would like to get. (Yes, I missed out on a few things during my Musical Journey, but am attempting to remedy that deficiency now)...

However, if anyone has any ideas about just the late S/Q’s, I would be most grateful...

[jbuck919]

I need some help with CD’s of the Beethoven late string quartets. It seems to me we had a thread on this in the past, but I can’t find it. The last Schwann lists the Alban Berg, Alexander, Amadeus, Cleveland, Emerson, Medici, Quartetto Italiano, Vermeer and Vegh for the COMPLETE quartets, which is what I would like to get. (Yes, I missed out on a few things during my Musical Journey, but am attempting to remedy that deficiency now)...

However, if anyone has any ideas about just the late S/Q’s, I would be most grateful...

Schwann? What is zees Schwann? Schwann is what carry Lohengrin out.

Be sure that whatever you get does all the repeats. This was not observed, for instance, in the old recordings by the Guarneri Quartet. They are not optional.

[Werner]

Auntie, I don't want to pose as an expert on the string quartets, but of recent groups, it seems that the Emersons continue in the top tier for the entire cycle.

If you're interested in the late quartets, the old Vanguard issued an excellent set in the Seventies by the Yale Quartet - originally on LP, then on Vanguard's "resuscitated" CD label under Seymour Solomon's direction. Following Seymour Solomon's death, the set was reissued by the new owner of the Vanguard classical catalog, Artemis, in two 2-CD albums as Vanguard Classics ATM-CD 1205 and 1206.

[Allen]

These are the Yale quartet CDs recommended by Werner:

http://www.mdt.co.uk/MDTSite/product//ATMCD12052.htm

http://www.mdt.co.uk/MDTSite/product//ATMCD12062.htm

Hope this helps.

[Allen]

I am not an expert on string quartets, but several years ago many members on this board recommended the version played by the Italiano Quartet, so I bought it. I've enjoyed it a lot.

[hangos]

I'm no expert either, but I keep returning to the Quartetto Italiano, especially for opp. 127, 130, 132 and 135. Some critics say they are a bit slow in one or two scherzi, but I find they compensate for this with really beautiful but insightful playing throughout, and their sound (we're not talking surface gloss here) appeals to me because of its dark, rich tones - the cello really digs deep. One more thing, which is vital in these works, is the players' supreme concentration.
I've heard the Lindsays'(who several critics maintain couldn't play or intone properly!!) first cycle which comes very close to the Italiano, and many people are raving about the Takacs, which sounds very exciting. Tough choice!
Martin

[pizza]

As with any music of such importance, there's no substitute for listening yourself and making the choice based upon your own impressions. I've heard quite a few recordings, including the old Budapests, both mono and stereo and I would be loathe to recommend any single set over the entire field. They all have something special to recommend them. I usually reach for the Talich set when I want to hear the late quartets, but that's just out of recent habit. That could easily change.

[CharmNewton]

I've heard the Lindsays'(who several critics maintain couldn't play or intone properly!!) first cycle which comes very close to the Italiano, and many people are raving about the Takacs, which sounds very exciting. Tough choice!
Martin

I've heard a number of recordings by the Lindsays and their ensemble playing can become a bit tattered and intonation (particularly the first violinist) slip. They can play with a sweep that can be engaging as well, but I don't think I would want them in this music.

I have the Takacs Quartet on Decca in the late quartets and I would not recommend this set either. The problem is the first violinist, whose intonation is at times painful. It should be said that most quartets have problems with Beethoven's first violin partts in the late quartets as they require a player with the skills of Heifetz or Hilary Hahn. But they aren't usually as bad as what I heard here.

I've owned the Guarneri Quartet's first recorded cycle (RCA) for about 35 years. It can be had from Amazon.com for about $29. The later cycle for Philips has been re-issued by Brilliant Classics, but sounds a bit mannered to me. I also really like the Emerson Quartet cycle as well.

John

[arglebargle]

Not an expert also, would love to hear thoughts on:

- Melos - (owned this one for some years, like it fine but I've made no serious effort myself to compare with other offerings)

- Suske

[hangos]

. I usually reach for the Talich set when I want to hear the late quartets, but that's just out of recent habit. That could easily change.

Ah yes, the Talich's op.132 is the best recording I have ever heard (and that was on a cassette!!!) - the music just unfolds so naturally and tragically with them. Might be hard to track down, but worth hunting for!
Martin

[RebLem]

I, too, recommend the Yale Quartet for the late quartets. Also, the Smetana Quartet set of all the quartets has recently been reissued. I have heard good things about the Gewandhaus Quartet version, too--I have it, but haven't listened to it yet. But be forewarned--the Gewandhaus Quartet version comes in one of those irritating, double height, hard to store boxes.

[Ken]

A set that isn't listed very often is the Borodin String Quartet box set on Virgin Classics of Beethoven's mid/late quartets, including Op. 18 no. 4 and 5 (I know, these aren't 'late' by any stretch of the imagination), Op. 59 no. 1 and 3, Op. 95, Op. 130, Op. 132, and the Grosse Fuge.

These were recorded in the late '80s and the sound and performance quality are top-notch. As I've found with other Borodins' recordings, there is a good balance between sensitivity and bravado in this set. My particular fave of the bunch is the Op. 95, "Serioso", which is the best recording that I have yet to hear of that work.

The set is also budget-priced, which is a bonus.

[Chalkperson]

Chronoligically...

The Busch Quartet
The Hungarian Quartet - Mono
The Hollywood String Quartet
The Quartetto Italiano
The Talich Quartet

Pushed to choose, too difficult, they are all very good...

[Auntie Lynn]

I don't know if this is of any interest, but Dover has published the full scores in one volume (just in case febnyc and Uncle Ralph decide to dragoon a couple of other guys and go into the string biz...). There are a few editions of the complete S/Q's but Dover is the most, shall we say, economically feasible...

Thanks for all the help, I'll get right on it...

[SONNET CLV]

Unfortunately we no longer have Ludwig around to give his recommendation. Alas.

I did not notice if anyone here recommended the Beethoven complete quartet cycle from the Cleveland Quartet on TELARC:



It's not bad.

You'll find several reviews of the recordings on line. Most are complimentary, it seems. (There is an earlier Cleveland set, which I would not recommend. The TELARC set, however, is worthy.)

Again ... don't be afraid to invest in a couple of complete sets -- any of those recommended on these pages will stand you in good stead, and you'll be surprised at the variations from one ensemble's interpretation to another's. For years I have enjoyed the Alban Berg Quartets cycle, as well as those by the Tokyo String Quartet and the Guarneri Quartet.

Who is the best? That all depends upon what day it is, what time of day you listen, and the weather conditions at the time ... as well as your sound equipment and general mood. In other words, it's a hard call. But there's nothing wrong with some variety.

Enjoy.

--SONNET CLV--