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Shostakovich: Fragments Vol. 1 - String Quartets Nos. 1-7/Preludes & Fugues (arr. Grafilo)/Piano Quintet (3 CDs)
Alexander String Quartet
Shostakovich: Fragments Vol. 1 - String Quartets Nos. 1-7/Preludes & Fugues (arr. Grafilo)/Piano Quintet (3 CDs)
Genres: Special Interest, Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
  •  Track Listings (11) - Disc #2
  •  Track Listings (11) - Disc #3

"The sharpness of the contrasts come across like physical blows with the Alexander Quartet, and there is a steely edge to their sound in some sections which can be quite unsettling. There is great beauty, but no comfort...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Alexander String Quartet
Title: Shostakovich: Fragments Vol. 1 - String Quartets Nos. 1-7/Preludes & Fugues (arr. Grafilo)/Piano Quintet (3 CDs)
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: FoghornClassics
Original Release Date: 3/25/2006
Release Date: 3/25/2006
Album Type: Box set
Genres: Special Interest, Classical
Style: Chamber Music
Number of Discs: 3
SwapaCD Credits: 3
UPC: 700871198829

Synopsis

Product Description
"The sharpness of the contrasts come across like physical blows with the Alexander Quartet, and there is a steely edge to their sound in some sections which can be quite unsettling. There is great beauty, but no comfort in the exquisite dying moments of the conclusion."
-- Musicweb-International Captured here, on three discs, is the first half of the Alexander String Quartet's complete Shostakovich cycle. Superbly recorded at the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2005-06, this exquisite collection contains the first seven quartets, the Piano Quintet with legendary Australian pianist Roger Woodward, and two exceptional transcriptions for string quartet by ASQ's first violinist of a pair of the piano Preludes and Fugues from Op. 87 (1950-51). Spanning roughly the period from 1937-1960, this beautiful collection is accompanied by superb liner notes from musicologist Eric Bromberger.

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CD Reviews

Quite simply one of the best traversals of the Shostakovich
Thomas Martin | USA | 07/21/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the first part of the ASQ's complete recording of the Quartets. Their Beethoven was highly praised in the Penguin Guide; this set deserves similar praise. Roger Woodward's contribution at the piano is an extra bonus. Do you self a favor and listen to these recordings, and their Beethoven. You won't be disappointed!"