Search - Josef Kekula, Vladimir Leixner, Bohuslav Matousek :: Bohuslav Martinu: The String Quartets (7) / Madrigal for Violin & Viola / String Trio - Stamitz Quartett

Martinu quartets

George L. Friend | 09/10/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Please know that these recordings are also available in a Brilliant Box which also includes the quartets of Janacek and Smetana. The sound is excellent and the Stamitz Quartet is excellent on all. The box is labeled Czech Masters and the price much cheaper."

Fine performances, excellent music

A music lover | Fremont, CA | 01/25/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"There aren't a whole lot of discs to choose from in the Martinu Quartets, and this cycle is as good or better than any of the performances out there. These works deserve a greater audience. Fans of the composer in particular won't be disappointed. Martinu writes in a very listenable style, especially considering that these are early- to mid-20th century works. Not groundbreaking, perhaps, but worthy enough to stand comparison with better known cycles such as Bartok or Shostakovich. There's a recent reissue of the older Panocha quartet cycle on Supraphon as well. It's priced much lower. I haven't heard it, but have heard that the sound is marginally better on this Bayer release (I have the Bayer, and the sound is very good). I would expect performances to be excellent on that cycle as well."