Shostakovich quartets
Posted by: Wiltshireman on 24 December 2003
Anyone any preferences on this subject? Heard one on the radio the other day and thought i might buy but would like input first. The last time I asked for help on his symphonies I was very happy with the general recomendations.
Merry Xmas and a HNY to you all!
Merry Xmas and a HNY to you all!
Posted on: 24 December 2003 by Todd A
The top recommendation for a complete set is usually the Borodin Quartet’s second cycle. I believe it is currently out of print, but it has been issued by EMI, BMG, and Melodiya separately, so used sets or maybe a rare new set may still be available. I’ve heard about 2.5 discs worth of their performances and they are superb. There is also a Chandos box of an earlier, almost complete cycle by the Borodin that is generally considered excellent, if not quite as good as the second set.
If you want to spend less money, the Shostakovich Quartet’s cycle, currently out on Regis, is also outstanding. I own this set and find it indispensable. Overall quality is on par with the Borodin.
My personal favorite is the Emerson String Quartet’s cycle on DG. Their approach is perhaps colder and more precise, but in a number of quartets they really deliver some powerful playing. I love the sound quality, too, though some find it a bit dry.
I’ve read some positive things about the Rubio Quartet’s recent cycle out on Brilliant Classics, but it’s not available in the US, but keep it in mind for price reasons alone.
If you go for single discs and quartets, try the 2nd, 3rd, 7th – 9th, 11th, and 14th and 15th quartets as those are the best in the set. There are a number of ensembles with individual discs out there, and all I can say is avoid the Manhattan Quartet recordings: they are terrible. Also, seek out the Beethoven Quartet. What I’ve heard from them is of the highest quality. Others may fare better or worse.
"The universe is change, life is opinion." Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
If you want to spend less money, the Shostakovich Quartet’s cycle, currently out on Regis, is also outstanding. I own this set and find it indispensable. Overall quality is on par with the Borodin.
My personal favorite is the Emerson String Quartet’s cycle on DG. Their approach is perhaps colder and more precise, but in a number of quartets they really deliver some powerful playing. I love the sound quality, too, though some find it a bit dry.
I’ve read some positive things about the Rubio Quartet’s recent cycle out on Brilliant Classics, but it’s not available in the US, but keep it in mind for price reasons alone.
If you go for single discs and quartets, try the 2nd, 3rd, 7th – 9th, 11th, and 14th and 15th quartets as those are the best in the set. There are a number of ensembles with individual discs out there, and all I can say is avoid the Manhattan Quartet recordings: they are terrible. Also, seek out the Beethoven Quartet. What I’ve heard from them is of the highest quality. Others may fare better or worse.
"The universe is change, life is opinion." Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
Posted on: 24 December 2003 by herm
It's too bad you can't remember which quartet you heard on the radio - there's fifteen of 'em - but that's what radio is all about.
My advice is simple. Since you're in the UK you should be able to get the sixties recording by the Borodin Quartet real easy. It's on Chandos, and it's pretty cheap. The only downside is the last two quartets are missing (they hadn't been composed yet at the time of recording). And maybe the last one or two pieces in this collection are a little rough: the ink of the score was still hot.
Ideally you should try to get quartets #14 and #15 by the 1980 Borodin Quartet, but why don't you first see if you like what you got so far.
The Chandos Borodin is really as close as you can get to the source.
Herman
My advice is simple. Since you're in the UK you should be able to get the sixties recording by the Borodin Quartet real easy. It's on Chandos, and it's pretty cheap. The only downside is the last two quartets are missing (they hadn't been composed yet at the time of recording). And maybe the last one or two pieces in this collection are a little rough: the ink of the score was still hot.
Ideally you should try to get quartets #14 and #15 by the 1980 Borodin Quartet, but why don't you first see if you like what you got so far.
The Chandos Borodin is really as close as you can get to the source.
Herman
Posted on: 24 December 2003 by Basil
If you can, do try to hear the Fitzwilliam Quartet playing these, they're breath-taking.
Posted on: 25 December 2003 by Edot
My vote is for either the earlier Borodin set or the Fitzwilliam set. Keep in mind that the Chandos set of the earlier Borodin recordings are not from master tapes but from LPs. Aparently the master tapes are missing or dammaged. The later Borodin set has a bit too much vibrato on the violin for my taste. The 8th quartet remains my favourite. Another (single) disc to check out is the one of the BT ensemble on the Linn label. Stunning sound and pretty good playing too.
Posted on: 26 December 2003 by Wiltshireman
Thankyou all for your recomendations, it looks like it will be the Chandos for me to try. I only heard the last two minutes the other day but it was stunning stuff sadly I didn't catch what number it was or who was playing it. I will pop into Swindon on Saturday and see what I can get.
Posted on: 27 December 2003 by Basil
Have you heard the two Shostakovitch Cello Concerti? If not, do try to hear the Heinrich Schiff, Maxim Shostakovitch recording with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra on Phillips No. 412 526-2.