The Emerson String Quartet Play Janacek
Posted by: Todd A on 03 June 2009
Been listening to the new disc by the Emerson Quartet. When I read that they recorded Janacek’s quartets, I knew I had to have it, but I also wondered if I’d like them more than established favorites. As expected, the Emerson play wonderfully, but the playing is so precise and perfect that something seems to go wanting. It’s slightly smoothed over, slightly glossy. There’s passion, but not enough of it. And it doesn’t sound quite enough like Janacek. It’s excellent, yes, but when compared to my favorites here (Prazak, Panocha, Janacek, Talich), the sound isn’t completely right. Still, a fine disc, with a substantial bonus in the form of Philip Setzer and Lawrence Dutton playing Martinu’s Three Madrigals for Violin and Viola.
Posted on: 03 June 2009 by stephenjohn
If something is wanting from the Emersons I'd recommend these wonderful quartets played by the Taliche Qt on Caliope. They are utterly mesmerising.
SJ
Posted on: 03 June 2009 by soundsreal
Yes, I love the Talich's version. is there one by the takacs as well?
Posted on: 03 June 2009 by mudwolf
some of those folk or ethnic pieces (for lack of better word) you really have to grow up in that area. I'd go for the Takacs any day, I have their Bartok Qts on vinyl. That is a strange and tough listen, never more than 2 in a session.
Posted on: 03 June 2009 by Todd A
The Takacs wouldn't really have any edge in these works since the quartet now is half Hungarian (not Czech or Moravian), and I believe half American, and domiciled in America.
I've not heard the more recent Talich Quartet, but the older Supraphon recording is superb, and the quartet was generally better before they changed their lineup. For sheer intensity, though, the Prazak is the way to go. Amazing stuff. (Panocha is smoother, but as good.)
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Posted on: 03 June 2009 by soundsreal
quote:
The Takacs wouldn't really have any edge in these works since the quartet now is half Hungarian (not Czech or Moravian), and I believe half American, and domiciled in America
So what's your point here?
Posted on: 04 June 2009 by Todd A
quote:
Originally posted by soundsreal:
So what's your point here?
Did you read all of the posts?
The answer was directed to the post immediately before mine, which claims that artists have to grow up in the area of the music for ethnic pieces. (I'm not certain what ethnic pieces are.) If that's the case, and I'm not sure it is, then the Takacs would have no particular advantage since they are a half-Hungarian ensemble rather than Czech or Moravian.
That written, in Janacek, Czech Quartets have proven superior based on my listening experience, though the ultra-lush Juilliard earns repeated spins.
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Posted on: 04 June 2009 by soundsreal
Ah, I see, one of those kinds of thoughts...I've never followed that kind of thinking for a long time. Perhaps it was true at one time; now, it'd be like saying you need a german orchestra to play Beethoveen.
