Shostakovich string quartets

Posted by: EJS on 15 February 2013

All,

 

I'm looking for a complete set of the Shostakovich quartets, to get me started. I've seen a number of postings on this forum of the Borodin's second recordings ('78-'82) and particularly for that one, I wonder how the performances have aged, and, in particular, how they sound. And I'm open to other recommendations as well! 

 

Cheers,

 

EJ

Posted on: 15 February 2013 by Richard Dane

The Borodin Quartet on EMI with Richter is a very solid recommendation.  Otherwise, the Fitzwilliam Quartet on Decca's L'Oiseau Lyre label.  The sound quality of the latter is particularly good.  But don't miss one of my favourite performances of the Shostakovich SQ No.8 (coupled with Borodin's SQ No.2) performed by the Borodin Quartet.  An early Decca stereo recording originally issued on Decca SXL 6036, but still sounding quite glorious.  One of my favourite LPs from the golden age.

 

Posted on: 15 February 2013 by naim_nymph

 

 

EJ,

 

this is the one you need, 6 x CD set : Melodiya

 

i think you'd like it a lot, the recordings are fantastic.

 

Debs

 

 

Posted on: 15 February 2013 by fasterbyelan

A group of quartets I have loved for long time.  Would echo Richards thoughts on the Fitzwilliam on Decca, very thoughtful readings with a super SQ.  I have the vinyl box set.

 

Karl

Posted on: 15 February 2013 by EJS

Thanks for the helpful replies! The Borodin and Fitzwilliam are readily available, and it looks like choice is between them. Richard, your recommendation looks very interesting but may have never made it to CD - I'll be on the lookout for it.

 

Cheers,

 

EJ

Posted on: 17 February 2013 by Jonathan Barclay

I have both these sets and the earlier Borodin ones. I was fortunate enough to hear the Borodin doing the complete cycle over a week in Norwich in the centenary year. At that time Valentin Berlinsky the original cellist was still playing though over 80. He was a bit subdued at the first concert but after some some sleep and plenty of whisky he got better and better. As he had worked with Shostakovitch and played at his funeral it was a very moving occasion.

Posted on: 17 February 2013 by Florestan

EJ, if we're only talking about complete sets, in addition to the above good suggestions, I listen quite a bit to this set from the Mandelring Quartett.  For me, they offer a nice contrast to the Borodin, Fitzwilliam and definitely Emerson.  The recording here from around 2006 to 2010 is very nice as well with typical quality from Audite.

 

 

 

Posted on: 18 February 2013 by EJS

Doug, many thanks for this excellent suggestion. I'm looking forward to familiarize myself with these works, and if it works out I will definitely expand my views to different performances, both complete and for individual works.

 

Kind regards,

 

EJ