Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Kodaly Quartet :: Beethoven: String Quartets (Complete), Vol. 4

Passionate Musicianship

Classicalfan | Reston, VA USA | 11/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When the two quartets on this CD were recorded, in 1996 and 1997, the Kodaly Quartet had been playing together for more than a quarter century. It shows. What is evident on this recording is the perfect cohesion of the musicians; they clearly have an intimate knowldedge of the score, have played these two qaurtets many times, and thoroughly enjoy playing together. Yet, at the same time, their performance on this recording is fresh and exciting and truly conveys their passionate enthusiasm and love for the music.



The allegro movements have rhythmic energy and vitality, while the Adagio molto e mesto movement in Op. 59, No.1, and the Allegretto ma non troppo and Larghetto espressivo movements in the Op. 95 "Quartetto serioso" are played with beautiful sensitivity that allows the listener to savor every note. The recording is digital, with crystal clear sound quality.



The CD booklet has information on the Kodaly Quartet and two essays: an essay in English, with biographical and historical information on Beethoven and the circumstances if his composition of these quartets, and a musical analysis of each quartet, followed by a different essay in French on these two quartets that is also well-written and informative. This is an excellent CD at a very reasonable low price. I would gladly have paid twice as much for this recording."