Search - Claude Debussy, Henri Dutilleux, Maurice Ravel :: Belcea Quartet ~ Debussy · Dutilleux · Ravel

Transparent Quintessentially French Sound from the Belcea Qu

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 09/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Belcea Quartet is one of the strongest of the relatively new chamber ensembles coming before the public today. Just a glance at the catalogue and the spectrum of music they tackle is impressive - Brahms, Schubert, Britten, Ades, Faure, Poulenc and now Ravel, Debussy and Dutilleux. They are an exciting ensemble.



The performances here of both the well-known string quartets of Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel are clean, free of excessive emoting, and transparent in the best sense of the word. The phrasing continuity among the instruments is seamless and in the tutti sections the sound is sonorous and never pushed. These are both very fine performances.



Added to this generous CD is the 'Ainsi la nuit' by Henri Dutilleux, a work not known to this listener but one that begs re-hearing. The quartet writing is clever, innovative and never less than interesting. It does seem to go on a bit long (twelve movements) but it is well worth studying. Recommended Recording. Grady Harp, September 05"

Nice quality and nice price tag

ine8181 | Auckland, akl New Zealand | 03/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First of all, do not let the small price tag fool you - In my humble opinion this is a top-notch recording, and definitely worth more than it says. Very clearly and precisely played, I think this album comes very close to the rendition of the popular Emerson String Quartet(DG Masters). I'm ceratinly looking forward for more recordings from these people!"

Absolutely Superb Ravel

Stephen R. Kowarsky | Long Island, NY | 04/11/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just heard this on XM Radio, and I'm ordering it. I know the Ravel quartet very well, and I already have several recordings of it. But this was extraordinary. Technically perfect. Rich, mellow, and swinging. I never heard of this group before, but I will be looking for their other performances."