Bartok's String Quartets

[Air]

Which recordings?  Emerson, Julliard, Takacs, Hungarian... I'm clueless.

[Dancing Divertimentian]

Here's a nice thread that covered this on the old board.

Not that we're limited to that...

But still for me: Takacs, Emerson, Vegh (Naïve).

[Air]

Here's a nice thread that covered this on the old board.

Not that we're limited to that...

But still for me: Takacs, Emerson, Vegh (Naïve).

Muchas gracias 

[Opus106]

Here's a nice thread that covered this on the old board.

And a thread from the present board. Bonus: this one has snyprrr in it.

[Mandryka]

Someone from this forum ( I forget who) put me on to a recording of the 3rd by The New Music String Quartet  which is, quite simply, one of the most musical and perfect chamber recordings I know. You can get it here (and while you're at it pick up their Beethoven CD which is in a similar league):

http://www.bartokrecords.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51&Itemid=63

I also have and very much enjoy the second of the surveys by the Juilliard.

I also have and very much don't enjot the Tokyo set. Would anyone like to buy it from me?

[Peregrine]

Someone from this forum ( I forget who) put me on to a recording of the 3rd by The New Music String Quartet  which is, quite simply, one of the most musical and perfect chamber recordings I know. You can get it here (and while you're at it pick up their Beethoven CD which is in a similar league):

Yeah, cracking disc that and a cracking ensemble all round.

I'ld go with the Juilliard SQ (50's and 60's), Tatrai and Keller, but do try and get thsoe New Music SQ recordings if you can...

[Brahmsian]

Bonus: this one has snyprrr in it.

That means all bases are definitely covered!   

[SonicMan46]

Which recordings?  Emerson, Julliard, Takacs, Hungarian... I'm clueless.

Well, the Emerson & Takacs SQs receive plenty of the top votes - I've owned the Emersons for a while, and earlier in the year added the re-released Keller Quartet, a steal on the Apex label in the Amazon Marketplace for $12 - I enjoy their performance (somewhat warmer & less grating than the Emersons, but really depends on how you like Bela's SQs played?) - a review on MusicWeb HERE (w/ Takacs as the comparison recording which I probably should hear myself!) - good luck in your selection(s) - 

[snyprrr]

You guys!


1) Chilingirian 3/4/5: I remember enjoying this years ago.

2) Fine Arts have been getting great reviews on Amazon.

3) Still looking for an alternative to the Emerson's No.3, something just as bloodthirsty.

4) Still considering Chilingirian for 1-2.

4) Bartok seems to be one of the most difficult composers to get his SQs just so, no?

5) I'm disappointed that there appears not to be that many absolutely obsessive/compulsives here, who feel compelled to get everything. I want more people to be willing to part with their trust funds! Hey, I'm doing my part! I'm just frustrated because there are JUST 6 SQs here. Why is it so difficult, people, to get a cornucopia of awesome versions? Why couldn't the Belcea or Vermeer just play it the way WE KNOW that they should? Why don't these performers understand that we know better than they (just like our government knows how to spend my money better than I do!)?

I want perfect sound.
I want perfect interpretation.

It's onlt 6 SQs!!! Why aren't there 5-6 sets that should any one of them knock our socks off? It's 2009!!! Get with the program, people, and give us perfect stuff. We have no time for ANYTHING less than 100%, absolutely,... PERFECT. Why should this be a big wish? Any group who come out with a less than perfect set should be severely,... well, I don't know what, but they should surely be severely something. Hrrrmph!

... ve have vays...

[Peregrine]

My Bartok disc by the Ebene SQ arrived today, really good. I'm thinking Juilliard SQ from the 50's in obviously much better sound:



What a cracking ensemble they are though, love to hear them live...

[Franco]

I find these to be very good - Tokyo String Quartet - but not to replace Takacs or Emerson.



I have the Vegh and like them too - but of all I think the Emerson is my favorite.

[Todd]

My Bartok disc by the Ebene SQ arrived today, really good.

Did not know about this disc.  Looks most interesting.  Perhaps I will investigate . . .

[Scarpia]

My Bartok disc by the Ebene SQ arrived today, really good. I'm thinking Juilliard SQ from the 50's in obviously much better sound:



What a cracking ensemble they are though, love to hear them live...

The recording is not new (from 2007) why did they record only 1-3?  Or had the other half been deleted from the catalog already?

[kishnevi]

They're probably workin' their way toward those last 3 ...

Considering they're now have two EMI releases under their belt, I wouldn't hold my breath.

I have only one recording of the Bartoks, the Novak Quartet (on a Philips Duo).

[RJR]

Which recordings?  Emerson, Julliard, Takacs, Hungarian... I'm clueless.

Julliard.

[RJR]

Here's a question:

I have the chance to listen live to the 1st, 3rd and 5th of these quartets from the hungarian (aptly-named) Bartók Quartet.

This would be my introduction to the works, my only prior exposure to the composer being "Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta".


Do I go for it? Not that I'd anyway pass a nice opportunity for any (good) live chamber music, but I'd still welcome your views.

Two and a half years later. I was just wondering if you are continuing to explore Bartok's music?