Search - Ludwig van Beethoven :: The Busch Quartet Play Beethoven, Vol. 3

Historical Treasure

Johannes Climacus | Beverly, Massachusetts | 11/21/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you enjoy historical chamber music recordings, do not hesitate to obtain this Dutton transfer of the Busch Quartet in Beethoven's first *Razumovsky* and Opus 127. Other labels have reissued this material previously, but the Dutton incarnation is the one to get. The recently reissued box from EMI of the Busch Quartet's Beethoven sounds pallid and overly filtered by comparison.



In case you have never heard them, the Busch Quartet was one of the greatest chamber ensembles of the Twentieth Century. Their Beethoven recordings are treasurable for their depth of understanding, genuine ensemble playing in which each player is constantly responding to the others, and most of all for the inwardness conveyed in the sublime slow movements. No other group I have heard has penetrated to the heart of these quartets more effectively than the Busch.



While you are at it purchase the other volumes in this Dutton series, which will, hopefully, give us all of the Busch Quartet's Beethoven recordings in superior transfers (they have at least one more volume to go)."