Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartett :: Beethoven: String Quartets, Opp. 95 & 59/1

Excellent performances astutely programmed

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 03/29/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Artemis Quartett is a fine ensemble, one that places the composer and the music at hand first before the personalities of the performers. This quartet does not differentiate between violin 1 and violin 2, alternating the parts between the two members at will - a trait that speaks well for the ensemble effect they so beautifully achieve.



Another interesting aspect of this performing group is the intelligent manner in which they program. On this fine CD release they offer two Beethoven quartets both in the key of F - String Quartet No. 11 in F minor ("Serioso"), Op. 95 and String Quartet No. 7 in F major ("Rasumovsky 1"), Op. 59/1. The similarities of key enhance the listening experience.



Both of these quartets are given performances of accuracy but also of fresh passion. The recording technique places the quartet in the room with us with near perfect balance left to the virtuosity of the players rather than the technical strategies of the recording crew.



This warmly rich recording is one of the finest available and is recommended especially for those who are just beginning to appreciate the chamber music of Beethoven. Grady Harp, March 06

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A quartet that deserves to be in the top rank

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 12/03/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Artemis Qt. didn't cross my path until a few years ago, but the Berlin-based ensemble began in 1989, modeling itself, according to their website, on the Emerson, Juilliard, and Alban Berg Quartets. They approach Beethoven with the swiftness and efficiency of the Emersons, though not to such an extreme. At the same time they strive for the traditional warmth and intense expression that the Alban Berg has mastered. The two influences don't contradict each other, as this excellent CD of Op. 95 and the first Razumovsky demonstrates.



If this is part of an unfolding cycle, it was smart of the Artemis to program lesser known quartets with popular ones. Nobody is going to buy this recording for the "Serioso" quartet, one of Beethoven's most compact and earnest works in the genre. But it's the real star of the program, played with concentration and dark purpose throughout its short length, while avoiding the hectic race of the Emerson's version or the ugly slashing attacks of the Takacs. Expect a rather merciless intensity, though.



There's daunting competition in the Razumovsky quartets, but the Artemis hold their own. The Scherzo of Op. 59 no. 1 is handled with imagination and variety -- each return of the theme is another opportunity for invention. The Adagio is a bit rushed and loses the last ounce of expressive depth, but most modern performers have the same reluctance to wear their hearts on their sleeves. The finale has just the right blend of folk dance and virtuoso energy; it, too, is very successful.



In all, I'd recommend this CD to any lover of Beethoven's quartets no matter how many old favorites they already own. The recorded sound is dramatic and larger than life, with a good deal of hall resonance (only bothersome during long puases). I fervently hope that the Artemis get to complete their cycle over the next few years."