A Fine New Bartók String Quartet Set by the Vermeer Quartet

[Scott Morrison]

It's just out on Naxos, so the price is appallingly low, but it is a competitive outing for this marvelous group. Of the complete Bartóks that I know it is probably most like that of the Berg Quartet. My short review is here:
http://snipurl.com/f65e

Scott Morrison

[brownswan]

That is a fine review you wrote. The only other bargain set I know of is the Novak Quartet on Phillips duo, a rather mild-mannered recording compared to what the Vegh, Tatrai, and Takacs quartets offer, for example. The Vermeer set sounds like it could be a strong first choice for someone new to the music or anyone who needs to replace or add to recordings in their library.

I keep hoping that SONY will re-issue the Juilliard set from the 60s, which I still have on lps. I won't hold my breath; I'll pick up this set for a fresh point of view. At the price, one can't go wrong.

[Peter Schenkman]

The Bartok six string quartets (1908-1939) are considered by many to be the greatest works in that medium since Beethoven. The Juilliard Quartet's pioneering Columbia recordings of the cycle recorded circa 1950, the first on records, have been rare collector's items for many years. The original personal of the quartet heard on these recordings was Robert Mann and Robert Koff, violins; Raphael Hillyer, viola; Arthur Winograd, cello who brought a collective energy to their performance that for sheer octane has never really been equaled. Prior to the recent Pearl CD set (GEMS 0147; 2 CDs), that cycle had never been reissued in any format since its initial release on three LPs over fifty years ago. If I had to choose any one set of the six quartets that would be it. For a different but equally valid take from a few years later it would be the Hungarian Quartet (DGs Originals, 2 CDs) who certainly understood the language which shows in the way in which they inflect phrases and in that sense are more idiomatic then the Juilliard foursome. The Bartok Quartets have enjoyed many good recordings over the years but the very first recordings of these masterpieces have stood the test of time quite nicely.

Peter Schenkman

[Haydnseek]

The only other bargain set I know of is the Novak Quartet on Phillips duo...

Brilliant Classics released a new Bartok cycle recently by the Rubin Quartet (not the Rubio Quartet who played the Shostakovich cycle for the same label.)

[Ralph]

I just bought the NAXOS set but haven't had a chance to listen yet. As of now the Emerson cycle remains my favorite.

[Sporkadelic]

I keep hoping that SONY will re-issue the Juilliard set from the 60s, which I still have on lps. I won't hold my breath; I'll pick up this set for a fresh point of view. At the price, one can't go wrong.

This set has been reissued twice on CD. I bought the Retrospective (UK) issue on three discs. Subsequently, Sony France issued a two-disc version. I am told that the French edition is sonically superior, although the layout involves a disc change between movements of one of the quartets.

[herman]

I never liked the Juilliard set that much. I prefer a warmer, more idiomatic approach. I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Takacs.

BTW in some ways I find it sad that a good qt like the Vermeer (I used to see a lot of 'em when they were young) has to record for Naxos, waiving fees etc. However I guess it gives them a potentially bigger audience, in so far as that exists for string quartet music.

[Ralph]

NAXOS gives its artists far more visibility and more people can buy their discs than if they recorded for a big label. This isn't exploitation, it's opportunity.

[Michael]

I had the Vegh and Julliard (60s) on LP. Both very fine indeed. Coming from the North of England I heard the Lindsays perform these pieces many times. Their recordings are wonderful, maybe not the most polished qtet around but very inspired.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... 46-1968644

[Michael]

Heard the Vermeer Qtet 20 years or so ago at the Bath Festival. I was so impressed by the group and expected to hear a great deal more of them... it never really happened. I think that they played Bartok 3 in that concert but the encore was definately the pizzicato movt from no. 4. I was on the edge of my seat.

[brownswan]

I never liked the Juilliard set that much. I prefer a warmer, more idiomatic approach. I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Takacs.

I mentioned them, along with the Vegh and Tatrai Quartets -- they all remain my favorites in this music, and the sound on the Takacs discs is incredible.

Has anyone heard their earlier recording, which is still available from H&B Recordings Direct?

[mahlerfan]

I'm with Herman, I initially was excited by the Juilliard Q recordings (at least the sixties) but later found them too aggressive. I prefer the more rhythmically driven Takacs Quartet recordings and the charming DG Tokyo Quartet recordings.

I understand alot of people like their Bartok played really intensely, but I just don't prefer that style, just my preference.

[sonic1]

The Bartok six string quartets (1908-1939) are considered by many to be the greatest works in that medium since Beethoven. The Juilliard Quartet's pioneering Columbia recordings of the cycle recorded circa 1950, the first on records, have been rare collector's items for many years. The original personal of the quartet heard on these recordings was Robert Mann and Robert Koff, violins; Raphael Hillyer, viola; Arthur Winograd, cello who brought a collective energy to their performance that for sheer octane has never really been equaled. Prior to the recent Pearl CD set (GEMS 0147; 2 CDs), that cycle had never been reissued in any format since its initial release on three LPs over fifty years ago. If I had to choose any one set of the six quartets that would be it. For a different but equally valid take from a few years later it would be the Hungarian Quartet (DGs Originals, 2 CDs) who certainly understood the language which shows in the way in which they inflect phrases and in that sense are more idiomatic then the Juilliard foursome. The Bartok Quartets have enjoyed many good recordings over the years but the very first recordings of these masterpieces have stood the test of time quite nicely.

Peter Schenkman

I agree on the latter, the former I have yet to hear. A friend of mine has the records and it is on our list to listen to those together.

Bartok's Quartets are very high in my esteem-I actually prefer his to Schoenberg's or anyone else's of that school. Texture in a quartet is something many composers leave out IMO when obsessed with tonality, or atonality. And it is the texture of his quartets, with an incredible expressive power, and unique hungarian composer's phrasing, that really blows my skirt up.

[karlhenning]

I'm with Herman, I initially was excited by the Juilliard Q recordings (at least the sixties) but later found them too aggressive. I prefer the more rhythmically driven Takacs Quartet recordings and the charming DG Tokyo Quartet recordings. :)

I understand alot of people like their Bartok played really intensely, but I just don't prefer that style, just my preference.

It can be a great musical error, to mistake aggression for energy ....

[mahlerfan]

Ah but Karl I think that you'll find the other transversals are not lacking in energy. Rather the overly nervous energy of the Juilliard Q makes me uncomfortable.

[karlhenning]

Yes, mahlerfan ... I attribute the error to the Juilliard Quartet, and not to you :-)

I think there's some degree of disservice done to a swath of the late-20th-century repertory, by deliberately notching up the "Discomfort Factor" ... one example is Boulez trying to strip Schoenberg of Romanticism.

[mahlerfan]

I agree with you Karl, it's like some performers want to drive the audience away! Alot of twencen music is lyrical but you wouldn't know with certain conductors like Boulez.

[herman]

I think there's some degree of disservice done to a swath of the late-20th-century repertory, by deliberately notching up the "Discomfort Factor" ... one example is Boulez trying to strip Schoenberg of Romanticism.

Historically however it works differently. At the time audiences were very enthusiastic about the Juilliard's take on Bartok, Schoenberg and everything; just as they were about Boulez and all other hard-edged late modernist performers and conductors. They liked it; so no disservice.

The reason why you don't like it anymore (and neither do I) is because we live in a different age - in fact we do since 1980 or so. The only problem is these perfomances became canonical records, rather than fleeting perfomances.

In the meantime all these composers who were championed by the hard-edged perfomers have been re-romanticized by a new generation of performers, Chailly, Knussen etc

No doubt a new black is just behind the horizon anytime soon.

[karlhenning]

Historically however it works differently. At the time audiences were very enthusiastic about the Juilliard's take on Bartok, Schoenberg and everything ....

Point taken.

Though Kendall says to Scott Hastings, "Oh, the audience! The audience!" :-)

[Peter Schenkman]

I’ve listened to the Vermeer Quartet’s recording of the Bartok cycle, even compared it with some of my favorites and really find it deserving of no more then a C to C+. Best thing about it is the price ($15.00 Canadian), next best thing is First Violinist Ashkenasi who is very good indeed after that it’s very much vin ordinaire.

Peter Schenkman

[CharmNewton]

I’ve listened to the Vermeer Quartet’s recording of the Bartok cycle, even compared it with some of my favorites and really find it deserving of no more then a C to C+. Best thing about it is the price ($15.00 Canadian), next best thing is First Violinist Ashkenasi who is very good indeed after that it’s very much vin ordinaire.

Peter Schenkman

My expectation of this set is that interpretatively it would be similar to the Juilliard Qt. or the Emerson Qt. Did you compare it against either of these groups and have you heard the set by the Hagen Qt.?

John

[Peter Schenkman]

[My expectation of this set is that interpretatively it would be similar to the Juilliard Qt. or the Emerson Qt. Did you compare it against either of these groups and have you heard the set by the Hagen Qt.?]

I haven’t heard the Hagen Quartet’s take on the Bartok cycle so I can say nothing as to your question. The first two Juilliard cycles are outstanding but the Vermeer is not interpretatively similar to either. As to the Emerson cycle, I listened once when it was first released and haven’t bothered since.

Peter Schenkman

[CharmNewton]

Peter, thanks.

John

[muxamed]

Hi

I am new to this board so I'd like to say hello to everyone

Has anyone heard Hagen Qt's performances of Bartok on DG? I have the Keller Qt recording (Erato) but I have to say that I am not convinced by their point of view.
I read very positive reviews of Hagen and Takacs performances in GramoFile.
Maybe I should try to find Vegh quartet's recordings?

Cheers
Muhamed

[Corlyss_D]

Hi

I am new to this board so I'd like to say hello to everyone

Has anyone heard Hagen Qt's performances of Bartok on DG? I have the Keller Qt recording (Erato) but I have to say that I am not convinced by their point of view.
I read very positive reviews of Hagen and Takacs performances in GramoFile.
Maybe I should try to find Vegh quartet's recordings?

Cheers
Muhamed

Hey, Muhamed!

Welcome to the BBS. I just spotted your post and wanted to say 'howdy!' I'm the early music maven here and don't know nothing about no Bartok SQ. Hope you like it here and post often.

[muxamed]

Hi Corlyss

Thanks for your welcome.

Muhamed

[muxamed]

Hi

I couldn't decide on which recording to buy so I got me three different recordings of Bartok's quartets : Vegh quartet performance from 1972, Hagen quartet's from 2000 on DG and Takacs quartet's recording from 1998. And I haven't regret a bit. All three recordings are really something special; Vegh and Takacs quartet being more traditional in their approach while Hagens being extraordinary musical, rafined and innovative. All three ensembles offer wonderful music-making.

Muhamed