Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Kodaly Quartet :: Beethoven: String Quartets (Complete), Vol. 1

A Beautiful and Passionate Recording

Classicalfan | Reston, VA USA | 04/23/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Every CD of this complete cycle of the Beethoven string quartets is excellent, including this one which begins the series. When the quartets on this CD were recorded, the Kodaly Quartet ("KQ") had been playing together for over twenty years. It shows. What is evident on this CD is the perfect cohesion of the musicians; they clearly have an intimate knowldedge of the score, have played these quartets many times over the years, and thoroughly enjoy playing together. Yet, although the KQ had been together for a quarter century at the time they made this recording, the performance of these four highly talented musicians sounds fresh and exciting, as if they were exploring the magic of these quartets for the first time, and truly conveys their passionate enthusiasm and love for this music.



The sound engineering on this digital recording is first-rate, with a bright, clear sound that gives a feeling of immediacy and presence to the instruments. Although I somewhat prefer the deeper, richer sound of the Cleveland Quartet in its recording of these same quartets, I very much like the sound of the Kodaly Quartet as well and enjoy listening to the same quartets performed by both groups.



The musicianship of the KQ is superb, with the musicians conveying the full range of emotions in these musical gems: playfulness, elegance, wistfulness, anxiety, and brooding intensity that builds in tension. The allegro movements have rhythmic energy and vitality, while the adagio movements are played with a beautiful tenderness, pathos, depth and sensitivity that allows the listener to savor every note.



The CD booklet has information on the KQ and a well-written informative essay containing historical information and a musical analysis of each of the quartets. This is an excellent CD at a very reasonable price. Very highly recommended.





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