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Beethoven: Complete String Quartets
Alexander String Quartet
Beethoven: Complete String Quartets
Genre: Classical
 
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CD Details

All Artists: Alexander String Quartet
Title: Beethoven: Complete String Quartets
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Arte Nova Records
Release Date: 3/9/1999
Album Type: Box set
Genre: Classical
Styles: Chamber Music, Historical Periods, Classical (c.1770-1830)
Number of Discs: 9
SwapaCD Credits: 9
UPC: 743216363728

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CD Reviews

Get this set!
John Buie | United States | 03/18/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)

"From the same label (Arte Nova) that brought you Zinman's extaordinary Beethoven symphony cycle comes this set of Beethoven's string quartets, which I consider nearly as great an accomplishment. Actually, I purchased this bargain set more out of curiosity than anything else. I already owned the highly praised Emerson Quartet cycle (see my review) and had been pretty disappointed with it. Needless to say, my expectations for this set were not very high...Boy, was I pleasantly surprised! Now this was more like it! In my opinion, this is precisely how Beethoven's string quartets should be played, ie. with technical accuracy combined with emotional intensity. The one thing that had bothered me most about the Emerson set was their seeming lack of emotional attachment to the music. The Alexanders have that "Innigkeit" in spades, which really makes their performances come alive. The Alexanders make the fast movements quick and exciting to listen to, the slow movements flowing and exquisitely detailed. The technical side of their playing is likewise of high caliber, if not on the Emerson's level. The recordings themselves are quite vivid with excellent definition and clarity. All in all, this set would be tough to resist at any price. At its super bargain price, this is truly a must-own! Yep, I think Arte Nova has another winner on its hands!"
What a surprise!
William Lai | Philadelphia, PA | 04/10/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"At a budget price, this recording of the Beethoven String Quartet cycle cannot be beat! I picked this up at a mortar and brick store out of sheer curiousity and mainly because of the cheap price, and I was surprised by its great value. The quality of the recording is not bad and the musicianship is outstanding. Their attention to detail makes their performances a joy to listen to over and over again. The balance is great and if you like a big viola sound, check out these recordings. Maybe not as impressive as the Emerson or some of the more well known quartets, but give these guys a chance and you won't disappointed. Don't be put off by the bargain price."
Beethoven's finest
William Lai | 11/02/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"On the advice of the previous reviewers, I bought these recordings and have been enormously satisfied. They are indeed sonically and musically excellent. Let me add here that I would prefer a box of Beethoven's String Quartets (and this box in particular) over any box of Beethoven's Piano Sonatas or Beethoven's Symphonies. (New to string quartets? String quartets need to be listened to in ultra-high-fidelity, rather than in a car...)"