The ONE Beethoven String Quartet Cycle to Rule Them All!

[aquablob]

I ignored the Emerson Beethoven for years on account of its many bad reviews. My favorites had always been the Takacs and, before them, the first Lindsays. But I let someone take the Lindsays home one night, and I didn't get them back before I moved. I only played the Takacs a little, though I was impressed with the sound quality. And then last year, I bought a Trio box set of the Emersons' Schubert and loved it. So I tried their Beethoven. The clarity of sound made me play it a lot. It was really all I listened to for a month or so last year. If I had to choose just one, this would be it (I am the lone vote for the Emersons in this poll).

I have only their late quartets—if the rest of the cycle is of comparable quality, I'm sure it's top-notch!

[Henk]

Artemis

[mn dave]

Artemis

Vegh - stereo 3
Alexander 2
Gewandhaus 2
Suske 2
Talich 1
Budapest 51-52 1
Italiano 1
Emerson 1
Hungarian 1
Belcea 1
Alban Berg (EMI, studio) 1
Pražák 1
Takacs 1
Julliard 60s 1
Artemis 1

[SonicMan46]

Vegh - stereo 3
Alexander 2
.
.
Takacs 1
Julliard 60s 1
Artemis 1

Nice to see the Takacs in the listing - my first complete set; even saw them 'live' @ Carnegie Hall doing a number of Ludwig's SQs - my only other set is the Alexander SQ which was my vote - Dave

[G. String]

So many...Emerson, Vegh, QI, Tokyo, Alexander, Takacs...

I pick Takacs...

[mn dave]

So many...Emerson, Vegh, QI, Tokyo, Alexander, Takacs...

I pick Takacs...

Vegh - stereo 3
Alexander 2
Gewandhaus 2
Suske 2
Takacs 2
Talich 1
Budapest 51-52 1
Italiano 1
Emerson 1
Hungarian 1
Belcea 1
Alban Berg (EMI, studio) 1
Pražák 1
Julliard 60s 1
Artemis 1

[Ken B]

Vegh - stereo 3
Alexander 2
Gewandhaus 2
Suske 2
Takacs 2
Talich 1
Budapest 51-52 1
Italiano 1
Emerson 1
Hungarian 1
Belcea 1
Alban Berg (EMI, studio) 1
Pražák 1
Julliard 60s 1
Artemis 1

I like this result. So many groups have brought some insight.

[Manos]

Alexander String Quartet voters need to specify which version--on Arte Nova or on Foghorn Classics.

[SonicMan46]

Alexander String Quartet voters need to specify which version--on Arte Nova or on Foghorn Classics.

Of course & good point - the version I was referring to was their second recording of these works on Foghorn Classics - Dave

[mszczuj]

Suske

[Moonfish]

Budapest SQ  (51-52)

[mn dave]

Budapest SQ  (51-52)

Vegh - stereo 3
Suske 3
Alexander 2
Gewandhaus 2
Budapest 51-52  2
Takacs 2
Talich 1
Italiano 1
Emerson 1
Hungarian 1
Belcea 1
Alban Berg (EMI, studio) 1
Pražák 1
Julliard 60s 1
Artemis 1

[Verena]

Alexander (foghorn)

[Drosera]

Gewandhaus

[kishnevi]

Fourway tie for first
Two tied for fifth
Nineway tie for seventh

And you thought the World Cup was exciting.

[Marc]

Fourway tie for first
Two tied for fifth
Nineway tie for seventh

Good music brings out the best in musicians.

I have 'only' 6 quartet integrals, and they're all (very) satisfying. I almost could have picked either one.
Au contraire to orchestral works, there is no 'boss', no 'ruler'. In chamber music one really has to co-operate and listen very carefully to one another. All these ensemble musicians have been working together for so many years, digging deep into their pieces during lengthy rehearsals, that they really understand how to form one team.

And you thought the World Cup was exciting.

It is, isn't it?

[Jay F]

I've been listening to the Takacs Quartet ever since someone voted for them. I would replace my existing vote for the Emerson SQ with the Takacs SQ, if possible. Why can't they all be "the ONE"? Why does there have to be a "ONE"? 

[Ken B]

I've been listening to the Takacs Quartet ever since someone voted for them. I would replace my existing vote for the Emerson SQ with the Takacs SQ, if possible. Why can't they all be "the ONE"? Why does there have to be a "ONE"? 

Because "17 to rule them all" sounds silly.

[snyprrr]

Suske

Excellent! Tean Suske is now tied for 1st!! Go Team Suske!!

Frankly, because of temperament, doesn't one need BOTH Vegh and Suske?

Plus, Suske gets extra points for coming out of nowhere... the get the WTF Award!


I'm lobbying anyone who hasn't voted, or would like to change to Suske, all I ask is that you think about it. Consider all things, - consistency, idiomatic, doing cool things, acceptable sound, the feel of live music making,- the list goes on. As far as just plain old reliability and dependability and freshness, you can't beat Suske!

(paid for by Friends of Suske for Poll)

[Peregrine]

Juilliard, easily. None of the others come remotely close.