Shostakovich String Quartets

[ChamberNut]

I am looking to buy a set of the Shostakovich String Quartets and have narrowed my choice down to 2 contenders:
The well-known Fitzwilliam set and the set by the Sorrel Quartet on Chandos - Price is a consideration and I can get either for a good deal on Amazon but the Sorrel set is a bit of an unknown quantity? Anyone own or have an opinion on the Sorrel set? Thanks for any replies 

I can't comment on the Sorrel Qt set, as I haven't heard it.  The four sets I have heard are:  Fitzwilliam, Borodin, Emerson and Eder Quartets.

Usually I am highly enthusiastic about the Emerson SQ, but this one is an exception.  I did not connect with their Shostakovich, nor did I connect with the 'Untouchable' Borodin Qt (gasp!  Arrest this man ).

My breakthrough with Shostakovich SQs came through the Fitzwilliams.  Outstanding!  I also love the only set I actually own (Eder on Naxos), another affordable set.  Their set has also received a lot of praise.

[jlaurson]

I can't comment on the Sorrel Qt set, as I haven't heard it.  The four sets I have heard are:  Fitzwilliam, Borodin, Emerson and Eder Quartets.

Usually I am highly enthusiastic about the Emerson SQ, but this one is an exception.  I did not connect with their Shostakovich, nor did I connect with the 'Untouchable' Borodin Qt (gasp!  Arrest this man ).

My breakthrough with Shostakovich SQs came through the Fitzwilliams.  Outstanding!  I also love the only set I actually own (Eder on Naxos), another affordable set.  Their set has also received a lot of praise.

I agree with the Emerson's DSCH. Impressive Fail. My favorite--apart from Borodin, which I "get"--is the Jerusalem Quartet (not yet a complete cycle). Also like what the Mandelring are doing on Audite (SACD). There's a bunch more in my collection (Fitz, Sorrel, and whatnot), but Jerusalem, Mandelring, and Borodin are the ones I'd usually go to when I feel like listening to DSCH or when I need to compare for a review.

P.S. Must not forget Hagen Quartett. Very interesting, indeed. Like the Emerson in some ways, except enjoyable.

[ChamberNut]

I agree with the Emerson's DSCH. Impressive Fail. My favorite--apart from Borodin, which I "get"--is the Jerusalem Quartet (not yet a complete cycle). Also like what the Mandelring are doing on Audite (SACD). There's a bunch more in my collection (Fitz, Sorrel, and whatnot), but Jerusalem, Mandelring, and Borodin are the ones I'd usually go to when I feel like listening to DSCH or when I need to compare for a review.

P.S. Must not forget Hagen Quartett. Very interesting, indeed. Like the Emerson in some ways, except enjoyable.

Looking at some of the recordings available, I'm impressed at just how many recordings there are of DSCH's quartets!  There are A LOT, which obviously speaks volumes about the quality of these magnificent works.  I hear Rubio is also terrific?  Perhaps we should go to the thread that specifically discusses Shostakovich quartets?

[ChamberNut]

ChamberNut recommends Eder quite a bit, they're likely worth a look, although their cycle is not, as far as I know, available in a box, so you might end up paying $42-54 to pick up all 6 CDs.

True, I don't think they are available in a set, to my knowledge.  I got them at $6.99 CDN per disc.  Still pretty good, although perhaps more expensive than some of the complete sets available.

[ChamberNut]

Bump! 

[Brian]

I got them at $6.99 CDN per disc.

$7 Canadian is what ... a buck and a half? 

[ChamberNut]

$7 Canadian is what ... a buck and a half? 

Hey, our loonie was actually worth more than your greenback for about 5 seconds! 

[Dana]

The Fitzwilliams Quartet cycle is darned good and usually cheap.  The Borodin Q recordings (both cycles) are good but a little overhyped, and honestly I liked the Fitzwilliam Q recordings better than the Borodin.

      I've come to appreciate the Borodin cycle on Chandos Historical, and now wouldn't be caught without either set now. Borodin embrace Shostakovich's dissonance in a way that few quartets do. OTOH, they fall flat on some of the bigger, more theatrical music when compared to the Fitzwilliam cycle, like in the 3rd quartet.

Looking at some of the recordings available, I'm impressed at just how many recordings there are of DSCH's quartets! There are A LOT, which obviously speaks volumes about the quality of these magnificent works.

      You know, it's odd - this statement would appear to be true, but I still don't see them programmed on many concerts yet. I think I've heard only one of his quartets live in the past five years. Compare that with how many Beethovens, Schuberts, Mozarts, or even Haydns. And that's still saying nothing about the popularity of his symphonies - I'm preparing to perform his 5th symphony in a few weeks for the third time in about 5 years.

[SonicMan46]

I am looking to buy a set of the Shostakovich String Quartets and have narrowed my choice down to 2 contenders:
The well-known Fitzwilliam set and the set by the Sorrel Quartet on Chandos - Price is a consideration and I can get either for a good deal on Amazon but the Sorrel set is a bit of an unknown quantity? Anyone own or have an opinion on the Sorrel set? Thanks for any replies 

 

Well, as usual w/ a popular set of works, there will be plenty of 'other' recommendations!  And I have yet another 'inexpensive' consideration - 

The Rubio Quartet on Brilliant (pic inserted above) - the Shosty SQs offerings are discussed thoroughly on the 'DSCH Journal' - unfortunately, the website seems 'down' at the moment; their favorite sets were the Rubio Quartet, Shostokovich SQ (on Regis - the other set that I own), and the Borodins, I believe (can't verify that @ the moment); I had about half of the Borodin performances and culled them out of my collection after obtaining the other two sets mentioned.

Now, could I go for a third set?  Of course!  I'm sure that you'll get more posts on this topic - and welcome! 

[Brian]

Hey, our loonie was actually worth more than your greenback for about 5 seconds! 

Oooh, I remember that; the guys on Royal Canadian Air Farce went just about insane when that happened. 

[Conor71]

Thanks for the helpful replies all  - leaning towards the Fitzwilliam set now as the Sorrel set has gone up in price (pity as it sounded interesting!). I am going to check out the other sets folks have mentioned, cheers! 

[Conor71]

Thanks for bumping this thread up ChamberNut, will have a read-through now  0:)

[DavidRoss]

I am looking to buy a set of the Shostakovich String Quartets and have narrowed my choice down to 2 contenders:
The well-known Fitzwilliam set and the set by the Sorrel Quartet on Chandos - Price is a consideration

Why?  The Danel Qt set is available new for $45 from a reliable Amazon marketplace seller.

[ChamberNut]

Why?  The Danel Qt set is available new for $45 from a reliable Amazon marketplace seller.

Why what David?  What are you questioning exactly: choice of ensemble, or price consideration?  Are you saying Danel is the best set available?

[DavidRoss]

Ray, I'm asking why he has narrowed the choice to those two offerings.  When the Danel set was released everyone here went ga-ga over it.  I'm surprised that it no longer seems to be a consensus favorite.  I don't know if it's "the best," but think it's a darned good one well worth consideration.  And the St. Petersburg Qt's spikier approach for hyperion might still be available dirt cheap from BRO.  Plus all of the usual suspects.  So I'm curious how/why he narrowed his options down to those two right out of the gate.

[ChamberNut]

Ray, I'm asking why he has narrowed the choice to those two offerings.  When the Danel set was released everyone here went ga-ga over it.  I'm surprised that it no longer seems to be a consensus favorite.  I don't know if it's "the best," but think it's a darned good one well worth consideration.  And the St. Petersburg Qt's spikier approach for hyperion might still be available dirt cheap from BRO.  Plus all of the usual suspects.  So I'm curious how/why he narrowed his options down to those two right out of the gate.

OK, that's what I thought, just wanted clarification on your 'why'.   

[DavidW]

+1 on the St Petersburg Quartet.  Spectacular!

[Herman]

When the Danel set was released everyone here went ga-ga over it.  I'm surprised that it no longer seems to be a consensus favorite. 

well, that happens a lot, doesn't it?

[Dana]

+1 on the St Petersburg Quartet.  Spectacular!

Is this like an RPG? Can anyone play?

[DavidW]

Is this like an RPG? Can anyone play?

Let's roll and see... no sorry.