Recordings That You Are Considering

[SimonGodders]

This is probably the best thread to ask. I have the original Borodin Shostakovich String Quartet cycle on Chandos Historical. I was thinking of completing the cycle with the Beethoven Quartet Chant du Monde CD (but can't find it). Can anyone recommend a good alternative (I don't really want to buy another complete cycle e.g. Emerson)? Can anyone speak for the Chant du Monde recording?

I've been steadily acquiring the Beethoven QT Shostakovich cycle and can confirm it's excellent. The first two discs purchased last year were put to one side as had just acquired the Danel set (also good).

They've really grown on me. Deep, penetrating performances that capture the despair and isolation in the Shostakovich sound world. Was listening to the 7th and 8th quartets this morning on my ipod (still find the 8th a bit of a terrifying listening experience!). For sheer terror, the Borodin's (first cycle) are hard to beat. But the Beethoven's are no less superb, might not appear initially as forceful or as virtuosic as the Borodin's, but they leave a lasting impression and contrast nicely with the Borodin cycle IMO.

[Haffner]

Am very excited, thinking about buying and hearing for the first time Alfred Schnittke's String Quartets. Any recording reccomendations, please?

[Choo Choo]

I have the Kronos set - which is fine - in fact I've never felt the need for an alternative, so couldn't comment on how it compares.

[Que]

Am very excited, thinking about buying and hearing for the first time Alfred Schnittke's String Quartets. Any recording reccomendations, please?

No recommendation, but YUCK what a picture!

Q

[George]

No recommendation, but YUCK what a picture!

Q

Seconded. 

[Robert]

Am very excited, thinking about buying and hearing for the first time Alfred Schnittke's String Quartets. Any recording reccomendations, please?

I also have Kronos, but you can get 1-3 by Tale Qt. on BIS. I have not heard them so I cannot comment on those. I have been happy with Kronos so I have never looked any further....

[BorisG]

I also have Kronos, but you can get 1-3 by Tale Qt. on BIS. I have not heard them so I cannot comment on those. I have been happy with Kronos so I have never looked any further....

I had the Kronos. Good performances, but of what?

Some of Schnittke's weakest moments aptly caught, for naught.

Noone needs these.

[not edward]

I don't particularly like the 1st quartet (an immature production) or the 4th (too stagnant rhythmically and melodically bland) but I can't agree with that assessment of the 2nd and 3rd, which are IMO very fine pieces. For me, the second movement of the 2nd quartet is one of the most intense creations in Schnittke's oeuvre.

[PerfectWagnerite]

I also have the Kronos, for about three years, still in shrinkwrap

[canninator]

This look convenient

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shostakovich-String-Quartets-Nos-14/dp/B000J0ZQTQ

Thanks, is that the Czech radio broadcast that was on Chant du Monde or something else, I can't read it, anyone know?

[Drasko]

Thanks, is that the Czech radio broadcast that was on Chant du Monde or something else, I can't read it, anyone know?

http://www.dschjournal.com/reviews/rvs14sq14.htm

http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2007/Jan07/Shostakovich_quartets_MELCD1000862-63.htm

[71 dB]

I wouldn't recommend the Händel, not because of the performance but because the music really doesn't impress.

And people think I am crazy because I don't worship Mahler. 

I have that Händel Violin Sonatas by Manze/Egarr. Does impress me.

[Harry]

I have that Händel Violin Sonatas by Manze/Egarr. Does impress me.

Yes my friend, I am still wondering about that for sure.
It stuck in my head for days now.

[karlhenning]

http://www.dschjournal.com/reviews/rvs14sq14.htm

http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2007/Jan07/Shostakovich_quartets_MELCD1000862-63.htm

Man, Milos, when will Praga come clean about this? 

[71 dB]

Your craziness reveals itself instead in an obsession with Elgar, an obsession so intense that it interferes with your perception of sonic cheese 

No other composer has had as profound effect on me as Elgar.
Call it obsession if you want.
I really don't understand your "sonic cheese" thing Karl.

[karlhenning]

No other composer has had as profound effect on me as Elgar.
Call it obsession if you want.

No, the mere fact that his music has a profound effect on you, is not an obsession.

Imagining that the odd minor work of Elgar is necessarily more important than (say) the Beethoven Ninth, is eccentric, and points to obsession.

[BachQ]

Call it obsession if you want.

We will (if that's not obsession, then nothing is . . . . . .)

[71 dB]

Imagining that the odd minor work of Elgar is necessarily more important than (say) the Beethoven Ninth, is eccentric, and points to obsession.

What the hell are you talking about? Beethoven's best works are clearly better than Elgar's weakest works.

[karlhenning]

A recording that I am considering?

Well, I've probably gone much too long in ignorance of Strauss's Metamorphosen:

[Harry]

A recording that I am considering?

Well, I've probably gone much too long in ignorance of Strauss's Metamorphosen:

Maybe its not a surprise when I tell, you that this interpretation is awesome?