Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Guarneri Quartet :: Beethoven: The Middle String Quartets

Outstanding '60s Performances of the Giants of Quartets

Frank "the man" | Alberta Canada | 09/15/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Please see my review of the Guarneri Quartet performance of the Early Beethoven String Quartets, which applies to the whole set. One comment on the recordings themselves. I found the CD transfers produced more spatial clarity and as often is the case with transfers from the "Golden Age of Stereo", some of the expansiveness of the sound is lost. These were recorded in the late 60s, when the emphasis was on big, stereo sound with lots of separation and the CD process can be pretty brutal to some of these recordings. However, I certainly did not find them cramped as one reviewer did, and my only other observation, since I have the LPs, is a loss of some warmth, This, to my ear, has been more than compensated by improved spatial placing of the instruments. Altogether taken, they are splendid document and well worth a listen."

Superb music superbly performed

C.D. Wexler | 09/17/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"By the middle to late 60s, the Guarneri Quartet had established itelf as one of the finest string quartets. These recordings are widely recognized as the best of their Beethoven cycle. The performances are both lyrical and dramatic and are to be ranked with the best ever recorded. This album is a "must have" for any lover of Beethoven's quartets. The sound quality of these CDs is good and does not intrude upon the enjoyment of the Guarneri's music making."

The strongest performance by Guarneri of all B's string quar

Gadgester | Mother Earth | 05/09/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"These 60s recordings by the Guarneri Quartet are the strongest of Beethoven's string quartets they performed during that period, and possible thereafter. The dark textures of these "middle quartets" by Beethoven are brought out quite well. One reviewer complained about the sound engineering; I disagree. I personally am not a fan of digital recording, which tends to sound mechanical and artificial and lack warmth. These recordings are quite good, although occasionally there is some unevenness. Also, the viola is unfortunately the weakest of this particular band and robs the Beethoven quartets of the middle range, but thankfully not much. In short, if you want to own just one set of Beethoven's middle quartet recordings, this set is it."