Late Str Qrts [Import]

The Emerson String Quartet combine a strength of performance at the same time giving the listener subtle shades of color producing one of the supreme recordings of Beethovens late string quartets ever. They've almost done the unattainable, by producing a new approach to this old musical literature, while maintaining integrity. They bring a level of thought to these performances that have rarely been matched. Enthusiastic and sensitive interpretations rolled into one. Their approach to the late quartets is perhaps my favorite interpretation. The Budapest, Busch, Guarneri, Talich and Vegh quartets are also very good, but these provide technical brilliance and are faithful to the score, while being heartwarming and intellectually inspiring. Also, these are definitely not cold readings, but ecstatic one's. I found them refreshing and different, and still deeply moving and of course, thrill with excitement.

The main reason I recommend these recordings is because they're carefully edited performances, so well done in fact, that I never heard a single edit and I'm a headphone listener. They did a lot of takes (versions) so that they (the Emersons & producer Max Wilcox) could cherry pick the best parts within each movement, creating "the magic take" or at least something very close. I also read that they'd like to enjoy hearing these recordings someday, without worrying...could we have done it better? Sure, they could have done the "one take" perfectly (I've seen them live), but perfect doesn't necessarily mean...magical. They utilized the recording studio for all it's worth. Bravo!

These musicians have obviously polished their form to a high level of refinement, and anyone interested in the late string quartets of Beethoven would likely rate this set as a valuable addition to their collection.

Highly recommended.

This set was my first exposure to Beethoven's string quartets, or Beethoven at all for that matter. Though these works initially struck me as very mysterious, with time and after having heard other recordings I have come to regard them as some of my favorite compositions of all time. Even (some might say `especially') in his last years Beethoven was brimming with creativity and these quartets are evidence of that. Movement after movement he expertly ties together a myriad of disparate ideas into these cohesive yet sprawling opuses of enduring appeal. They sound at the same time old and new - in his late period Beethoven took a renewed interest in Baroque music, while simultaneously emphasizing expressiveness and disregarding the constraints of conventional compositional forms. Thus he created a sound and style utterly unique and unequaled.

The Emerson String Quartet brings to these works a perfected ensemble as well as seemingly unlimited virtuosity. Coupled with the exceedingly clear and well balanced sound the result is a highly polished and perfectly played recording. Really, the only point of debate is the interpretations. Their approach emphasizes the drama and energy in the music, as evidenced by brisk tempos in the faster movements as well as strong phrasing and stark dynamic contrasts. Much of the music responds well to this approach. In particular I feel that the Emersons' take on Op. 132 and 135 are consistently excellent. Also, there are individual movements in the other quartets that are interpreted wonderfully - Op. 127 movs. 1 and 3, op. 130 movs. 1, 2, and 6 (both versions), and op. 131 movs 5,7.

Where I feel their approach sometimes stumbles is the slower movements. The relaxed, beautiful reveries of Op. 127 mov. 2 and op. 131 mov. 4, for example, are somehow not quite realized by the Emersons. These long variation movements benefit from grace, sensitivity, and subtlety. I only came to appreciate these movements after hearing the Alban Berg Quartett's versions. Curiously the Emersons do just fine in the glacial mov. 3 of op. 132, the `Song of Thanksgiving'.

I have read some people complaining that the Emersons sacrifice heart and expressiveness in their playing in favor of precision and virtuosity. On one hand I can understand how someone would say such a thing - the Emersons' playing is at times so perfect that it sounds nearly mechanical (see the presto of op. 131). They don't leave behind any of the foibles that some people find endearing in other recordings. But this music is inherently and unfailingly expressive when played well, as it is here. Other versions may sound more "human" than the Emersons' - whether that's a good thing or a bad thing is really up to you to decide. I think it's true that some groups add expressive touches to the music, and the Emersons are conservative in this respect.

Overall I think there this set has plenty to recommend to it, unless you've already determined that the Emersons' style is not to your taste. However, anyone who claims that this or any other cycle is "definitive" either hasn't listened to enough recordings or is being dishonest. No set completely captures the magic of this music. If you're a newcomer to the Beethoven quartets you should consider purchasing a set of the complete quartets. Note that there are many excellent cycles out there besides the Emersons', and that any ranking of these is really just a matter of personal preference. The Alban Berg set is a great and affordable choice, though some people take issue with the sound quality. I have also heard partial recordings of the Takacs and Cleveland quartets, which are excellent and notably expressive.

EDIT: For those considering this release I recommend considering the new budget release of the ESQ's complete set of Beethoven quartets (Beethoven: the String Quartets). It takes up less space on your shelf and only costs a little more. The middle quartets in particular are worth the extra dough, but the early quartets are given fine, dramatic readings as well. The only downside to the budget set is that the liner notes are pared down.

Not much to say about this collection. In my opinion, the late quartets of Beethoven are among the very greatest pieces of music ever composed. The performances here are superb. In answer to his publisher's puzzlement about this music, Beethoven replied to the effect that these quartets were not written for his contemporaries, but were meant for future generations. There is depth, subtlety spirituality and quirkiness here. Enjoy!