Beethoven The Middle Quartets in Concert at the Library of Congress 1940-1960

Ludwig van Beethoven (Artist), Budapest String Quartet (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 22, 2000)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 3
• Label: Bridge
• ASIN: B00004UAHV
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #86,268 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sets the standard, August 25, 2004

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Cellist (Hanover, NH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beethoven The Middle Quartets in Concert at the Library of Congress 1940-1960 (Audio CD)

These middle quartets of Beethoven, recorded here by the great Budapest Quartet between 1940 and 1960, in my opinion set the standard of playing for the middle quartets (as do their other recordings for the early and late quartets). The playing here is clean and incredibly precise, thus leaving the listener with a very satisfied feeling. Despite the fact that the sound quality is not quite up to the level of recordings being made today, one can still quite certainly tell that artistically and musically speaking, the recording is maybe the finest ever, due to the Budapest Quartet's musical intelligence and overall immaculate playing. I am happy to recommend this recording as the definitive set of the middle quartets, played by true champions of Beethoven.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly enjoyed this collection., December 30, 2000

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D. Bonds "KindnessCounts" (Jacksonville, AR USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beethoven The Middle Quartets in Concert at the Library of Congress 1940-1960 (Audio CD)

Honestly, I had never heard of The Budapest before, I love classical music more and more these days and was searching for some options here on Amazon. This was one of the selections highlighted on my recommendations page and I listened to it and decided I would like it for Christmas. I recieved it and I have fallen in love with the Quartet...they play Beethoven so beautifully. I can't hear it enough, I find their playing to be very uplifting and relaxing at the same time. I also like how the interviews with the members of the Budapest....it gives great historical insight on the quartet and this time itself in history. I would recommend this CD to anyone who likes classical music in more simplistic settings. You feel as if you are sitting in on one of the concerts at the Library itself. Very authentic sound and ambience. Will always be a favorite of mine.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The Library Recordings vs The Studio Recordings, December 27, 2003

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Shawn Williams "introfeel" (Gary, IN USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Beethoven The Middle Quartets in Concert at the Library of Congress 1940-1960 (Audio CD)

As much as I love the Budapesters I couldn't get past the quality of the library recordings. You cannot hear the instruments articulate very well in some parts. I don't know if this is because the library has poor acoustics or the microphones where placed incorrectly. You loose some notes and even whole phrases at times in a blurr. The studio recordings are far superior in sound quality. If you already have these quartets in a modern recording and just want to add the superiority of the Budapesters then I would recommend this set so long as you know that there are sound limitations. If this is your first buy of these quartets I recommend buying the scattered and incomplete Sony Essential Classics recordings of the Budapesters playing these pieces. I know the CD generation will not like the library recordings, but if you are used to listening to music with a grain of salt for the quality of the recording then you can enjoy the library recordings.