Schubert's String Quartets

Started by Mark, October 06, 2007, 06:18:44 AM

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Mark

A quick race through the 'Schubert's Recordings' thread reveals that it's dominated by piano and symphonic recordings, with only a mere hint of recommendations for the String Quartets, hence the creation of this thread. ;)

As with Dvorak, I'm a complete newbie to these works (not sure if I've yet heard a single one :o). Ideally, I'm after a one-box set - I can then explore further those Quartets I find I like best.

A scan on Arkiv and Amazon shows a couple of sets which catch my eye. But will these also catch my ear?

Melos Quartet

Auryn Quartet

Like I say, I'm no expert here, so your help is greatly needed. And yes, I'll happily consider cycles that aren't available in a single box, as well as recommendations for individual Quartets not performed by the same ensemble.

Thanks in advance. :)

DavidW

Well unless you're strange like Gurn, I think that you will most likely discover that you'll like the late works alot more than the early ones which are imo only mildly pleasant to listen to once or twice.

I encourage you to try the other Melos set on HM because it has (a) better sound, (b) better playing, and (c) better price because it only does the good quartets.  That being said if you are absolutely committed to getting a complete set, both that you have linked are good, and I prefer Melos.  Did that set (I don't remember) include the quintet with Rostropovich?  I ask that because I love that recording of Schubert's string quintet, in fact maybe I should listen to it today! :)

Que

Mark - interesting subject for a new thread! ;D

And I'll be following it with interest, because I'm in the market for a Schubert SQ cycle as well.

I got this cycle with the Leipziger SQ some time ago. And though is quite good, it leaves me wanting. :-\

Q

Mark

Thanks, David. :)

Quote from: DavidW on October 06, 2007, 06:35:24 AM
Did that set (I don't remember) include the quintet with Rostropovich?  I ask that because I love that recording of Schubert's string quintet, in fact maybe I should listen to it today! :)

Doesn't appear to.



George

Quote from: DavidW on October 06, 2007, 06:35:24 AM
Well unless you're strange like Gurn, I think that you will most likely discover that you'll like the late works alot more than the early ones which are imo only mildly pleasant to listen to once or twice.

Yes and they are all included in my recommendation.  :)

Mark

Quote from: George on October 06, 2007, 06:37:34 AM
This is what I have, Mark (I know, it's incomplete):

http://www.amazon.com/Schubert-Late-String-Quartets-Quintet/dp/B000S5AKJ8/ref=sr_1_5/102-3484879-1065746?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1191681329&sr=8-5

I really enjoy them and the sonics are incredible too!

I can be partial to The Lindsays, George, so worth considering. ;)

George

Quote from: Mark on October 06, 2007, 06:38:50 AM
I can be partial to The Lindsays, George, so worth considering. ;)

Yeah, you can buy a track or two from amazon and decide. They have 256 bitrate I believe.

Mark

Quote from: George on October 06, 2007, 06:40:58 AM
Yeah, you can buy a track or two from amazon and decide. They have 256 bitrate I believe.

Oh, have Amazon started the download service in the UK? I hadn't noticed. ???


Mark

Quote from: hornteacher on October 06, 2007, 06:55:33 AM
Also for a FANTASTIC single CD of two of Schubert's best quartets, this recording is amazing!

http://www.amazon.com/Schubert-String-Quartets-Nos-13/dp/B000I5Y8W8/ref=pd_bbs_3/105-4924212-6205218?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1191682195&sr=1-3

Knew someone would suggest this. It's had superb reviews here in the UK.

George

Quote from: Mark on October 06, 2007, 06:55:10 AM
Oh, have Amazon started the download service in the UK? I hadn't noticed. ???

Forgot about that, buddy. Sorry.  :-[

hornteacher

Quote from: Mark on October 06, 2007, 06:56:36 AM
Knew someone would suggest this. It's had superb reviews here in the UK.

Well the Brits are obviously very highly intelligent and cultured people.   ;D

Que

My favourite Schubert string quartets disc:



If the whole cycle ever reemerges, I'll be running to the store (or clicking like mad.. ;D).

Q

George

Quote from: Que on October 06, 2007, 07:13:40 AM
My favourite Schubert string quartets disc:



If the whole cycle ever reemerges, I'll be running to the store (or clicking like mad.. ;D).

Q

Lemme guess....HIP?

dtwilbanks

I have this...



..and that's about it.

Que

Quote from: George on October 06, 2007, 07:16:18 AM
Lemme guess....HIP?

How do you do that?  8)

Yes, my name is Que and I am a Festetics Quartet nut. 0:)

Q

George

Quote from: Que on October 06, 2007, 07:26:33 AM
How do you do that?  8)

Yes, my name is Que and I am a Festetics Quartet nut. 0:)

Q

I use the force.  8)

Haven't you seen me in the diner?

Harry Collier

I would recommend NOT starting with all the quartets. You would risk musical indigestion. Get to know a couple of the best ones to begin with. In my view, the recent GROC re-issue of the Busch Quartet in the last quartet, plus Death & the Maiden, is quite unparalleled.