Czech String Quartets

[Que]

There has been some talk on recordings by a few Czech string quartets lately.
I's like to focus some more on the subject, since I've got very interested in exploring some more recordings by Czech string quartets - both contemporary quartets and those of the past.

Janácek Qt, Smetana Qt, Talich Qt, Pražák Qt, and many others - what are your preferences amongst them and what are you favourite recordings? Please, need some hot suggestions!

Thanks!

Q

[Brian]

The very first thing I think of is this new disc I just acquired:



Three quartets by Johann Wenzel Kalliwoda, written in the 1830s but arguably very much ahead of their time. I've only heard the First so far, but was struck by the extraordinary all-pizzicato scherzo - perhaps a first? And the Talich Quartet, naturally, plays marvelously.

I also have the Panocha and another group (forgot the name) checked out from the library at the moment, so will report soon.

[Josquin des Prez]

^ Is that the old Talich quartet or the new one?

[Brian]

^ Is that the old Talich quartet or the new one?

Recorded in '06 I think ... I think Jan Talich is still a part of it.

[val]

The Janacek Quartet is one of my favorite quartets.
They made several extraordinary recordings: among others, Beethoven best version of the opus 59/2, Mozart K 387, Dvorak opus 96, Novak 2nd Quartet (a masterpiece), the best version of Mendelssohn's Octet (with the Smetana Quartet) and a splendid version of Brahms piano Quintet, although the pianist has not the same quality.

The Talich Quartet greatest achievement was the version of Mozart 6 String Quintets and the Clarinet Quintet. Their versions of the K 515 and 516 are sublime.

Regarding the Prazak they recorded the best version of Schönberg's 4 Quartets, dynamic, almost explosive in the last two.

[Dancing Divertimentian]

This Vlach Quartet recording of Beethoven's Op.18 is a personal fave. Broader and more romantic in concept than I typically go for in Beethoven (it's a three CD set) but musically as satisfying as anything out there (understatement!). 

One note: beware the Vlach recordings on Praga. The one I used to own (Op.59's) had abysmal sound. Taken from radio relays it imparted nothing of the Valch's depth and warmth.

[SonicMan46]

Just wanted to join this thread to see what groups are listed & recordings recommended; perusing my classical database, I did find the following below (many have already been listed) - don't know much about the Kubin Quartet but named after a Czech composer - recording from 2002; the Suk Quartet recordings are from 1978-84 (on the Supraphon label) - 

Kubin Quartet -  Vanhal SQs

Panocha Quartet -  Dvorak SQs (complete)

Quatuor Talich -  Kalliwoda SQs

Suk Quartet -  Suk SQs

Vlach Quartet -  Janacek SQs

[FideLeo]

Smetana Quartet - Beethoven Late Quartets (1960s) Supraphon-Denon

[Peregrine]

Smetana Quartet - Beethoven Late Quartets (1960s) Supraphon-Denon

Classy stuff. Good rec.

[Bunny]

Just wanted to join this thread to see what groups are listed & recordings recommended; perusing my classical database, I did find the following below (many have already been listed) - don't know much about the Kubin Quartet but named after a Czech composer - recording from 2002; the Suk Quartet recordings are from 1978-84 (on the Supraphon label) - 

Kubin Quartet -  Vanhal SQs

Panocha Quartet -  Dvorak SQs (complete)

Quatuor Talich -  Kalliwoda SQs

Suk Quartet -  Suk SQs

Takács Quartet -  Beethoven SQs (complete) &   Dvorak SQs (12/14)

Vlach Quartet -  Janacek SQs

Sorry, but the last time I checked, the Takács Quartet was originally Hungarian.  Now they have one British and one American member, and live full time in Colorado.  One might now call them of the best American string quartet groups around. 

Btw, they record on HM not Supraphon, and formerly on Decca.  Their Beethoven String Quartets are excellent, though.

[Bunny]

Love the Prazák Quartet's recordings of Dvorák -- especially Cypresses and their Beethoven String Quartets as well.

[BorisG]

I like Czech quartets played with edge. I find many of their oldie goldie recordings warm and beautifully played, but sounding out-dated.

The modern Sommer Quartet that couples the Panocha Smetana is a nice change, and not out of place.

[SonicMan46]

Sorry, but the last time I checked, the Takács Quartet was originally Hungarian.  Now they have one British and one American member, and live full time in Colorado.  One might now call them of the best American string quartet groups around. 

Btw, they record on HM not Supraphon, and formerly on Decca.  Their Beethoven String Quartets are excellent, though.

Thanks, Bunny - I should have paid more attention in my haste!    OP edited w/ 'original' Hungarians eliminated from my list - the Takács SQ recordings that I do own are on Decca (got a great deal through the BMG Club) - the Suk recordings are on the Supraphon label - 

[Dancing Divertimentian]

There's a clutch of fine Czech recordings of the Martinu quartets. Starting with the Panocha Quartet (on Supraphon). Hot on its heels are the Martinu Quartet (on Naxos) and the Kocian Quartet (on Praga).

[rubio]

I just listened to this excellent reindition of the Janacek string quartets (coupled with an equally splendid Novak SQ).



Then I would guess these are natural candidates for the collection?

 

[rubio]

Regarding the Prazak they recorded the best version of Schönberg's 4 Quartets, dynamic, almost explosive in the last two.

I have been able to locate their recording of the first two quartets, but not the last two. Which label was that released on? Have you heard the Arditti quartet in the same works?