Search - Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, Emerson String Quartet :: Debussy, Ravel: Streichquartette

The Cream of a Very Good Crop !

Jeffrey Lee | Asheville area, NC USA | 11/16/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For me, these readings by the Emerson Quartet constitute one of the finest available couplings of these two staples of the string quartet repertoire. Listening to other highly touted versions by the Julliard, Guarneri, Tokyo, Cleveland and Kodaly Quartets, I feel the Guarneri (on the Surroundedby Entertainment 1004 label) seems to enjoy the richest and best recorded sound, and I would place their characterful interpretation in the second spot among these other ensembles. The Cleveland is not among the best recorded. At times the strings sound relatively thin; moreover, I consider their view of these two very personal works to be a little superficial in comparison with the others. The Kodaly on Naxos gives a good interpretation but is somewhat outclassed here. Both the Julliard and Tokyo Quartets provide finely crafted versions, however I'm not particularly enamored with the manner in which they render certain phrases. Obviously, since we're dealing strongly with matters of taste, others might respond differently. Notwithstanding, the Emerson Quartet's performances not only display a superb level of technical execution but also paint a marvelous canvas of vivid tonal colors and impressive dynamic contrasts. There just seems to be a sense of freedom and spontaneity here the other groups don't match. The overall effect is cathartic. For another outstanding combo of these two pieces, try the Keller Quartet on the Apex label. I would not be surprised if you considered its performances to be even more musical than the Emerson's."

Irreproachable elegance and refinement.

Miles D. Moore | Alexandria, VA USA | 08/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Debussy and Ravel string quartets stand--along with some of Faure and Franck's chamber music--among the most elegant, refined pieces of music ever written: the perfect accompaniment for tea, madeleines and the remembrance of things past. It is hard to imagine anyone playing this music better than the Emerson String Quartet, and the mid-line price of this CD makes it doubly attractive."

Monuments of French Chamber Music

Karl Henning | Boston, MA | 01/16/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The string quartet is a wonderful medium; the tone is warm, vibrant, and capable of rich variety.The history of music owes Beethoven, Bartók and Shostakovich a lasting debt, for the dramatic heights to which they took the string quartet. But I like the Mozart quartets, too, and these are often light, easy. I think there is room for light and easy on the heights, too.Enter Debussy and Ravel. Their respective quartets are not so intense and "purposeful" as those of Bartók and Shostakovich; yet the sound of the pieces is no less rich. So, not quite so light-hearted as the early Mozart quartets, either; yet, they often dance in a welcome playfulness, which recalls that quality, which has sometimes been lost in the centuries since Mozart.This is an inexpensive disc, of a fine ensemble, playing lovely, turn-of-the-last-century, French chamber music.What are you waiting for?"