Search - Antonin Dvorak, Bedrich Smetana, Alban Berg Quartet :: Dvorak: String Quartet Op 96; Smetana: String Quartet in E minor

Bravo--masterful live performances by the ABQ

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 12/18/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Amazon isn't exactly spilling over with reviews of the Alban Berg Quartet, despite the fact that they dominated quartet playing in Europe for two decades. Here we get live performances of Dvorak's evergreen "American" Quartet Op. 96 (1989) and Smetana's equally beloved Qartet #1 "From My Life" (1990) from concerts in the ABQ's home city, Vienna.



I can't imagine asking for more in either work. The first violinist executes the Dvorak's opening melody with short slashes that greatly enliven it, but the whole of both quartets is played for intensity and drama--the ABQ don't know any other mode. One is swept away by their energy, musical intelligence, and above all their ability to play in tune with gorgeous tone while digging deep into the score. The sonics are close but warm. As hard as it is to record string quartets without making them sound edgy and fierce, EMI did a lovely job here. Five stars, with gratitude."

Great for Non-Experts

Michael L. Nagy | Lawrenceville, GA | 05/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm only a dabbler in classical music - I own may 2 dozen classical CD's total.



But this is at the top of the list. I can't get enough of it; when I put it on I have to stop what I'm doing and just have to sit down and listen - and this after many many re-playings.



Sorry I don't have the vocabulary or knowledge to explain why this one is so good. But if you're looking for your first string 4tet experience, this one certainly worked for me!"