Shostakovich String Quartets

[Brahmsian]

Since there is a lot of interest in Shostakovich quartets buzzing lately, I thought I'd paste this link that SonicMan pasted about 4 years ago.

There are comparative reviews for complete sets, single quartets, and other Shostakovich works as well.

http://dschjournal.com/reviews/review_master_index.html

[SonicMan46]

Since there is a lot of interest in Shostakovich quartets buzzing lately, I thought I'd paste this link that SonicMan pasted about 4 years ago.

There are comparative reviews for complete sets, single quartets, and other Shostakovich works as well.

http://dschjournal.com/reviews/review_master_index.html

Hi Ray - BOY, not sure that I've been to that site since, BUT it is a great collection of comparative reviews!

Today, my Mandelring SQ set arrived from across the pond - will be my listening activity over the weekend - Dave

[Karl Henning]

I've been so mesmerized by the Emersons here, it's some years since I listened at all to the Borodins. So that will be one of my listening agenda items to-day.

Oh, and I pulled the trigger on the Fitzwilliam set. December could be Shostakovich string quartet month....

[Brahmsian]

Oh, and I pulled the trigger on the Fitzwilliam set. December could be Shostakovich string quartet month....

Ditto.  I'll be doing quartet by quartet comparison of the Fitz, Eder and Borodin II once my Borodin set arrives! 

[Karl Henning]

I'm still partial to the Danel set, despite owning both the Emerson and Shostakovich sets, as well as various Borodin recordings.

You and Jens are strong advocates here....

[San Antone]

This is the Borodin SQ (1-15) set I have

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I also have this individual disc with #2 and #12



I never thought they were different recordings.  Is the 1-15 set above the same as this one:

[Sergeant Rock]

Is the 1-15 set above the same as this one:

Yes, the same. The 1978-83 recordings, the Borodin's second traversal.

Sarge

[Todd]

You and Jens are strong advocates here....

The Danel is my preferred digital cycle.  Only the Borodin and Beethoven Quartets may be better overall.

[Brian]

The Danel is my preferred digital cycle.  Only the Borodin and Beethoven Quartets may be better overall.

Are you collecting the ongoing Pacifica? I have the Borodin (Melodiya) and what the Pacifica's done so far. Listened to the Danel's #8 on NML and was very impressed.

[Todd]

Are you collecting the ongoing Pacifica?

No, I'll probably wait and buy when they are done.  If their Carter and Mendelssohn offer any indication of quality, I rather assume their DSCH will be of above average quality.

[San Antone]

No, I'll probably wait and buy when they are done.  If their Carter and Mendelssohn offer any indication of quality, I rather assume their DSCH will be of above average quality.

I've heard their first installment, via streaming, and it is very good.  Edgy and taut; their 8th is furious and they play it with confidence.  By contrast, the Alexander seems relaxed, but their continuing cycle has other attributes, e.g. the sound of the ensemble.  The Aviv Quartet is nearly as good as the Pacifica, but sound a bit overwhelmed at times during the 8th.

[Karl Henning]

Here's a thought, toss it in the rubbish bin, if you like . . .

A good c minor Quartet, I should not take as guaranty of a good cycle overall;  it's the best-known of the 15, and any decent quartet ought to be able to pitch themselves up to a fair-to-good realization.

I worry about a quartet who do not make their best effort for the Op.110, though.

Which, BTW, reminds me how ratty the Kronos account of the piece strikes me, now that I am better familiar with it.

[Karl Henning]

The Danel is my preferred digital cycle.  Only the Borodin and Beethoven Quartets may be better overall.

Thanks, Todd.

[San Antone]

Here's a thought, toss it in the rubbish bin, if you like . . .

A good c minor Quartet, I should not take as guaranty of a good cycle overall;  it's the best-known of the 15, and any decent quartet ought to be able to pitch themselves up to a fair-to-good realization.

I worry about a quartet who do not make their best effort for the Op.110, though.

Which, BTW, reminds me how ratty the Kronos account of the piece strikes me, now that I am better familiar with it.

You're right, but I always begin my listening with the 8th, thinking that if they do well with a difficult work it is a good sign for more to come however, if as you say, they don't do well, then I don't expect much down the road. 

Of course "doing well" is in the ear of the behearer, so to speak.



Of the newer recordings, the  Pacifica and Jerusalem (in progress) show the most promise, and Borodin II (complete) is my "reference" set - but the Emerson is the one I find myself listening to most and it is none to shabby.  I've got the Fitzwilliam and Shostakovich sets, but hardly ever listen to them.  The Danel will be the next set I dig into.  It is on Spotify or MOG and I will listen before buying, if.

[Brahmsian]

Once I get the 'cow' Borodin set in my hands, I'd like to do a movement by movement comparison of the Eder, Fitzwilliam and Borodin.

I'll randomly select a different quartet each day, and listen to each quartet by each of the 3 ensembles twice:

Yes, December will be indeed 'Shostakovich quartet month'.   

[Karl Henning]

Once I get the 'cow' Borodin set in my hands . . . .

And is that . . . Darth Vader way back behind the cow? Kewl!

[kishnevi]

Once I get the 'cow' Borodin set in my hands, I'd like to do a movement by movement comparison of the Eder, Fitzwilliam and Borodin.

I'll randomly select a different quartet each day, and listen to each quartet by each of the 3 ensembles twice:

Yes, December will be indeed 'Shostakovich quartet month'.   

I ordered it across la mer, from Amazon France.  I'll be lucky to get mine by the end of December.
The Shostakovich Quartet set, however,  should be here in reasonably short time, although I-deals does not seem to have shipped it yet.

[Karl Henning]

Yes, December will be indeed 'Shostakovich quartet month'.   

I'm in, Ray!

[Dancing Divertimentian]

You and Jens are strong advocates here....

It's a thrilling set for me anyway. I like how the Danel bring their own voice to these works, sounding fresh and vital with a tangible sense of the exploratory.

They're a bit antithetical next to some of the Russians (Borodin, Shostakovich) in that they take a more "inside-out" approach to the music - with some wonderfully exotic effects - as opposed to building the music in "blocks", with a more granitic center (nothing wrong with that, of course). IOW, a quality opposing viewpoint.

Great sound, too boot, a few sniffs aside.

[Karl Henning]

Thanks, If Santa keeps true to form, there will be an Amazon gift card in my stocking, and the Danels have elbowed their way to the top of the queue . . . .