Search - Beethoven, Alban Berg Quartett :: Quartets Opus 127 & 135

Lyricism and Vitality

Classicalfan | Reston, VA USA | 01/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the area of recordings of Beethoven's string quartets, there is an abundance of choice, with many of the world's finest string quartet groups having made recordings of the full cycle of the quartets over the years. Having heard Beethoven's string quartets interpreted by the Cleveland Quartet ("CQ") and the Alban Berg Quartet ("ABQ") amongst others, I would say that each of the several outstanding groups whose recordings I've heard brings its own qualities to its interpretations of these works.



As Alan Lekan states in his 01/14/2005 review of the complete Beethoven cycle by the Quartetto Italiano, "competition is fierce and it really comes down to what stylistic nuances most appeal to you." In my own case, while I would probably choose CQ's recordings as my own favorite if I were absolutely forced to, I also greatly enjoy listening to the ABQ.



The CQ's recordings are notable for the tight unity with which the musicians play together, while also providing a crystal clear differentiation of the melodic lines of each instrument. There is a sublime lyrical beauty in their playing and this quality, together with the rich and smooth fullness of their sound, that evokes the dark sheen of highly polished wood, is what distinguishes the CQ from the ABQ.



However, the ABQ is certainly not lacking in depth of feeling or in sensitivity to the lyricism of the adagio movements in the Beethoven string quartets. Their sensitivity is quite evident on this CD in the second movement of String Quartet No. 12 and in the third movement of Sting Quartet No. 16. The sharp clear quality of the ABQ's tone is very much in evidence in these movements, giving it an exquisite and plaintive quality that comes through most clearly in the violins.



In the fourth and final movement of the String Quartet No. 15, which begins with the tempo marking of "Grave," the mood evoked is one of quiet, brooding, desperation, (Muss es sein?) suddenly relieved by the shift to the allegro (Es muss sein!). It is yet another of so many beautiful moments on this CD.



While being enjoyable and even outstanding in the adagio movements, it is in the allegro movements that the qualities and special style of the ABQ are most distinctive for me. In the allegro movements, they play with a visceral energy and the gusto they bring to the music has an invigorating edge. And yet, that same energetic quality is kept in check, never becoming wildly out of control, but always channeled and made to serve the music itself.



If you can afford it, you may well want to buy both of the complete cycles by the CQ and the ABQ, and enjoy listening to their different interpretations. And even if you have a preference for the sound of the CQ, as I do, I would still recommend buying a couple of the individual CDs by the ABQ, in order to have an occasional point of comparison in listening to and enjoying two different performance styles. Since several of the ABQ's recordings of the Beethoven string quartets have now been issued on EMI's budget "Red Line" label, each individual CD, such as this one, is very low-priced and makes this a very feasible option."

Wonderful readings in scratchy, shrill sound

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 01/15/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have unreserved admiration for the Alban Berg Qt., and this budget CD derives from their famous firswt cycle of the complete Beethoven quartets. It shows off their amazing virtuosity, tonal beauty, and meshed musical instincts. The arrival of the ABQ on the scene reinvigorated the whole quartet scene in Europe. But their second cycle, recorded in live oncerts, was even more assured and musical. Connoissuers can enjoy comparing the two sets, but it must be said that EMI's low-budget transfers to CD are execreable. The shrillness of the first violin at high volume makes the performance unlistenable, a shame given the ABQ's ravishing beauty of tone. Avoid this CD unless you absolutely can't afford their later versions."