Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Kodaly Quartet :: Beethoven: String Quartets, Vol. 7

Beautiful Musicianship and Something Special

Classicalfan | Reston, VA USA | 06/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This volume in the full cycle of Beethoven quartets offers something special: an 1802 transcription for string quartet, made by Beethoven himself, of his Piano Sonata No. 9, Opus 14, composed in 1798 and published the following year with a dedication to the Baroness Josefine von Braun, to whom he also dedicated this string quartet transcription. It is a very beautiful piece of music in its own right and can be listened to and thoroughly enjoyed separately from the piano sonata from which it is transcribed.



When the two quartets on this CD were recorded, in 1999, the Kodaly Quartet ("KQ") had been playing together for more than a quarter century. It shows. What is evident on this recording as on all of the recordings of the entire Beethoven cycle of string quartets recorded by the KQ is the perfect cohesion of the musicians; they clearly have an intimate knowledge of the score, have played these two quartets many times, and thoroughly enjoy playing together. Yet, at the same time, the performance of these four highly talented musicians on this recording is fresh and exciting and truly conveys their passionate enthusiasm and love for this music.



The allegro movements have a quality of refined graciousness that is not usually associated with the stormy passions and moodiness of the Beethoven depicted in the film "Immortal Beloved." This is beautifully played and recorded music that allows the listener to savor every note. The recording is digital and crystal clear, capturing the Kodaly Quartet's precision, their clarity, and their sensitivity to every nuance of every note in these quartets.



The CD booklet has information on the Kodaly Quartet and a well-written, extensive informative essay, containing historical information and a musical analysis of the String Quartet in A minor, Opus 132 (there is no musical analysis of the string quartet transcription of the piano sonata) with French as Spanish translations. This is an excellent CD at a very reasonable low price. I would gladly have paid twice as much for this recording. Highly Recommended. Playing Time = 54:29.

"

Great Record

Maria S. G. Santos | BRA | 06/21/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Great record!



I recommend



A cd good and cheap, the level of the other quartets!"