Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Budapest String Quartet :: String Quartets 1-6

The best Budapest Quartet plays the early Beethoven

06/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The entire cycle of Beethoven quartets was recorded in the early 1950's at the Library of Congress, using Stradivarius instruments. This was the only time in the history of the quartet when the composition of musicians changed, there being someone different on second violin. These were issued first on Columbia LP in the early 1950's and later on the Odyssey label in the early 1980's. Only these early quartets from that session have been reissued on CD so far. Somehow the Budapest achieves a balance and a level of inspiration among themselves that I don't hear in any of their other admittedly fine recordings of this music either before or since. I hope Sony also reissues the middle and late quartets from this session --- my LPs are getting very worn."

Definitely Worth Getting: Astonishing Performance!

M. Allen Greenbaum | California | 04/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Budapest String Quartet is an outstanding ensemble that began in 1917 and played together, with some variation in personnel for the next 50 years. IT is one of the greatest string quartets on record. Musicians on this 1951 album include Joseph Roisman, first violin, 1932-1967; Jac Gorodetzky, second violin, 1932-1933 and 1940-something to 1955; Boris Kroyt, viola, 1936-1967; and Mischa Schneider, cello, 1930-1967. Not only are the musicians impeccable, but, since moving to the United States in 1938, the quartet had access to four Stradivari. Despite the age of this recording (1956), the recording quality is excellent. The music itself, written between 1798 and 1800, is not as well known as some of Beethoven's other work, but it is absolutely beautiful. The first disk's 3 quartets feature bright, spirited playing, with added depth on Quartet 3 in D Major of side 1. Quartet 4 has a more somber and dramatic mood, more like the Beethoven works to which one may be more accustomed. No. 5 in A Major returns to the spirited, dancelike composition of the first 3 quartets. The mood is so infectious and rhythmic that one can almost hear the rustling of dancers' clothing. The final quartet, No. 6 in B-flat Major, returns some of the more weighty motifs. Throughout, the musicians demonstrate tremendous virtuosity and great empathy in the dynamics and pacing. This is truly exciting music, played by a masterful quartet."

Student Violinist Finds Inspiration

Shawn Williams | Gary, IN USA | 03/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a teen I happened upon this recording as an LP record while looking for something at the library. I was a student violinist and fell in love with the expressiveness and skill of the Budepesters. I went through many teenage passions to this music. Now over two decades later I find this recording to be one of the best finds in classical music. The Budapesters play more with poetic inspiration than mathematical calculation giving the music a performance that does justice to the genius that is Beethoven. I would recommend this recording to both new initiates to classical music and connoisseurs alike. It is a must have for any serious collector of good music, and can be considered to be among the most beautiful of all musical performances."