The standard by which other recordings should be judged
chefdevergue | Spokane, WA United States | 07/11/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It amazes me that nobody has reviewed this collection. The Juilliard originally recorded these pieces with Firkusny in the late 1970's, and CBS repackaged them in 1989. I don't believe they have ever been out of print, and for a good reason. If you can find a better rendition of these chamber works, be my guest.
I find the recording of the Piano Quintet to be especially moving, and have never heard another recording that begins to approach the Juilliard/Firkusny interpretation. Also, if you are unfamiliar with the utterly charming Bagatelles, I enthusiastically recommend them. You will never grow tired of these wonderful little pieces.
Really, this should be an essential part of any serious collector's classical collection."
Admirable and historical performances!
Hiram Gomez Pardo | Valencia, Venezuela | 04/15/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"These exquisite chamber works acquire notorious relevance in hands of this ensemble. Julliard Quartet is widely known around the world, and the presence of Rudolf Firkusny as one of the most important Czech pianists of his generation produced a such fortunate combination, that even the elapsed years have not parallel. Perhaps the only version you can equal in which imaginative flight would be the famous recording of Richter and the Borodin Quartet. I just have both recordings and believe me when I tell you that the same Rubinstein with the Guarnieri quartet can reach such level of majestic brightness.
This is a true file' s treasure.
"