Wonderfully Emotional-- Why is this out of circulation??
Viola | USA | 08/11/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I too bought this recording for the Barber. I have performed the Adagio many times but had never heard the outer movements from Barber's quartet. I was surprised that the first and third movements are so similar, the third being a short series of variations on the first. I found that the adagio was the exact recording that I have on another CD. Apparently, my newer CD is a re-release of the adagio from this recording. Nonetheless, the Tokyo String Quartet is absolutely amazing on the entire Barber and the other two pieces on this CD. The CD as a whole is very well recorded. The TSQ's technicality is wonderful and the abstract themes of the Barber evoke many complicated emotions.
In regards to the Takemitsu, I really enjoyed the emotions it created as well. The glissandos are haunting.
Buy this recording for the Barber, if nothing else. You will enjoy the other pieces as well!"