Mendelssohn String Quartets - Pacifica Quartet

Posted by: CFMF on 11 May 2010

I purchased this 3 disc set last fall. Since then, I cannot seem to keep them out of my cd player. This is simply a "heads up" for those of you who may be interested. Here's a link...

http://www.amazon.com/Mendelss...uartet/dp/B00082ZSIY

Here's a review from the N.Y. Times...

http://classicalmusic.about.co...r/PQuartetMendel.htm

Best,
BBM

Posted on: 11 May 2010 by Todd A

I have yet to hear the Pacifica in Mendelssohn, but their Carter (as different as string quartets can be) is amazing, possibly even bettering the Arditti Quartet. I've read nothing but praise for this ensemble from both fans and critics. Looks like I should bump that Mendelssohn up on my list.

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Posted on: 11 May 2010 by Oldnslow

I can also recommend the Henschel quartet on Arte Nova. Great pieces by Mendelssohn--very underrated in my view.

Posted on: 11 May 2010 by u5227470736789439

I have got one Mendelssohn String Quartet on records, plus the Capriccio played by the Busch Quartet.

Seems to me a real find. Mendelssohn understood chamber string writing, and I'll be following this up.

Good heads-up, BBM.

Thanks from George

Posted on: 11 May 2010 by CFMF

Enjoy! George, you don't know this, but I have benefitted from some of your advice in the past. I now listen to Annie Fischer, Clara Haskil, Old Klemperer, and Lili Kraus because of you. Thanks!

Best,
BBM

Posted on: 11 May 2010 by Haim Ronen

I had the pleasure of seeing the Pacifica Quartet perform live some of Haydn's string quartets in Lake Forest College, Illinois.

I am not familiar with Menelssohn's quartets though I can recommend his latest piano trio recording which I received two weeks ago and enjoy a lot:

Posted on: 14 May 2010 by KenM

Two sets of the Mendelssohn quartets which I rate highly are the Ysaye Quartet on DG and the Talich Quartet on Calliope.

The Talich version of Op.80 is absolutely outstanding.

And I agree with Haim about the Trios played by Ma, Ax and Perlman. Great playing and a real sense of togetherness.

I must try to hear the Pacifica quartets even though it might mean another purchase.

Cheers,
Ken