Search - Bela Bartok :: Bartók: Six String Quartets

Great music, OK performance

David Robinson | Bradford, MA United States | 11/21/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"There is no question, at least in my mind, that the 20th century master of the string quartet was Bela Bartok. The remarkable thing to note is that Bartok did not even play strings! He was a virtuosic pianist. So how does someone who doesn't even play strings end up with a technique named after him (The Bartok Pizzicato)? The man was a genius, that's all I can say.These quartets should appeal to a broad base of listeners, especially today. I think that more teens would be into "classical music" if they were introduced to these quartets (especially those into "heavy metal") and realized the potential of the medium. Our ears are much less sensitive to dissonance than they were when these debuted, so most people should be fairly comfortable with the material. Perhaps not on the first listen, but after a little exposure.This particular performance, however, I have found rather lacking. It just doesn't grab me. It seems to be a rather cold interpretation that lacks any spirit (in material where it abounds!). I don't like the sonic quality of the recording either -- it sounds very flat and one-dimensional.I would steer you to the Emerson String Quartet's fine recording of these quartets instead. But that's a personal choice. All in all, not terrible disc, but not my first choice, either."

Very consistent, from start to finish over 2 CD's

Pork Chop | Lisbon, Portugal | 04/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The strength of this 2 CD release, is the CONSISTENT

style, audio quality, mood from start to finish.



There are 6 compositions on this release, lasting

well almost 2 hours.



This release definitively shows the composer's

ability to exude the moody and dark emotions that

humans can go through, at times. And to be exposed

to such an audio experience for well over an hour,

at very high audio quality, with the full "aching"

of the wood instruments to reflect on one's emotions

is exceptional and unique.



I feel these compositions are unique, in that sense...

they take the listener to a mental and emotional landscape

where the listener is very much alive, yet very much

aware of the sad emotions that are shown, which is

totally different to other music, that often is nihilist,

negative, self-destructive which is totally unrelated to

this work.



As such, much like a physical wound is medically damaged

and on the mend, these 2 CD's offer a musical experience

that is rich in sound and vitality, yet painful to listen

in its beauty."

Adequate but not stirring

B. R. Townsend | Mexico | 10/08/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"One has to respect any quartet that can deliver decent performances of these difficult works, but I can't say that this performance rises above merely adequate. The recording is lacking in clarity, but the real problem is the performance. Rhythmically hazy, texturally obscure and with only mediocre ensemble, my search for a good version of these quartets continues."