Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet :: Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 12: Middle String Quartets

Absolutely beautiful!!

Lincoln-63542 | Raleigh, NC USA | 09/04/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Middle Quartets resemble a product of Beethoven's second period. A period of departure from the Haydn + Mozart influences with compositions such as Fidelio and the symphony in E flat, "Eroica". Also, from this period is the misterious sonata "Hammerklavier", although someone would argue that "Hammerklavier" was the first product of the third period.The first three Strings Quartets here are the very famous "Razumowsky Quartets", named after Count Andreas Razowmovsky -the Russian Embassador to Vienna-. They are here complete, in a special edition issued by Deutsche Grammophon in celebration of Beethoven's 100th. anniversary. Useless to say, DG is using here everything they could possibly do to get a product with an outstanding sound and presence and performance. To me, the sound from the media is as important as the rendition itself of the musicians. After all, this is not a Live Presentation you are attenting to.The "Razumovsky" Quartets were followed a few years later by Opus 74, also called "The Harp" and a year later or so, Opus 95. They are both here included. Pretty good job by DG and a Great Performance by the Emerson Quartet!The Emerson String Quartet is a premier ensemble of the United States, in particular, and the world of music and humanity in general, since they have championed many noble and humanitarian causes in addition of their immaculate performances. In this Double CD, the have given their heart and made one of their most outstanding performances according to the Critics.In summary: This CD is historically and melodically very important: The Razumowsky Quartets represent a major shift in Beethoven's musical direction. Secondly, the sound of the CD is just wonderful, absolutely beautiful!, and finally, but not less importantly, the rendition of the Emerson String Quartet is just incomparable. To my opinion, this is a "Must Have" Compac Disc, where the 100th anniversary of this towering genious is celebrated generously and without any reserve. You will love this CD!!!!"

Caution: only listen to this with decaf

03/04/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I've owned this set for two years now and have really tried to get into it. Initially it sounds beautifully recorded and fast paced, but after 15 minutes I surrender. The recording sounds bright with very little emotion. Well played, but no soul. If you want to hear how completely different the same music can sound, listen to the Cleveland Quartet doing Beethoven. I have bought a number of the Emersons CDs and sadly the pattern in my opinion is much the same - exceptional musicans displaying how well they can perform. I actually think their "fast/in your face" style would be engaging in a live performance, but I've yet to hear an Emerson CD that I'd call a first recommendation."

Skip it, unless you love speed

02/11/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I'm glad I've never seen these guys in a live performance because I would have been the heckler who got up and yelled, "Hey, boys, what's the hurry? Got a plane to catch?" Mind you, they play all the notes and stuff, it's the tempi that drove me up the wall. This music is difficult enough as it is without having it fly by you at breakneck speed. The Emersons are obviously in love with their own virtuosity -- isn't that special -- but the point of performance is to let the music speak for itself. Nuff said. 2 stars is generous. P.S. I can't stand the Toscanini, Gardner crowd either, but you probably guessed that."