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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Budapest quartet's second peak., July 9, 2003
This review is from: Beethoven: String Quartets Op.59, No.3 'Razumovsky'; Op.74 'Harp'; Great Fugue (Audio CD)
The Budapest quartet was at its peak in the 1940's. Then Sasha Schneider left, and the quartet started to sound different. Mr. Schneider rejoined the Budapest in 1955, and for a few short years, the quartet managed to reach twin peak number two. The 3rd Rasumovsky quartet, the Harp, and the Grosse Fugue on this Sony CD were recorded in the 1960's, when intonation frailties were already quite evident. But frailties or not, like the previous reviewer says, the Budapest now played 'cool' music, willing and daring to take more risks. There's a companion Sony Essential Classics CD to this one, Sony 46545. There, the Budapest plays the 1st and 2nd Rasumovsky quartets. The 1st Rasumovsky quartet was the Budapest's calling card. I strongly recommend it, for it's unmistakeable, trade-mark Budepest: warm, lyrical and broadly swinging. Enjoy!
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Incredible recording, July 14, 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: Beethoven: String Quartets Op.59, No.3 'Razumovsky'; Op.74 'Harp'; Great Fugue (Audio CD)
This set Sony has released - the Essential Classics bargain CDs truly are godsends. They feature great music performed by legends at insanely cheap prices. This CD is no exception. The Budapest String Quartet is unbelievable, and we are fortunate enough to have recordings to prove it - although they can be tough to find. We're particularly lucky with this recording though - it was recorded in the early 1960s, when a) Sasha Schneider had re-joined the group and b) when they were old guys (which was when they were making REALLY cool music). Yes, their intonation isn't always perfect...although the slips are VERY rare on this particular CD - they didn't have the luxury of modern quartets with second takes (most of their recordings are live). However, the character that they instill into the music is unmatched even today. Beethoven's music simply comes to life while they play. THis is a must have.
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
More quintessential Beethoven string quartets!!!, July 6, 2004
By A Customer
This review is from: Beethoven: String Quartets Op.59, No.3 'Razumovsky'; Op.74 'Harp'; Great Fugue (Audio CD)
I also concur with the honors piled on these legendary performances. These recordings of Op. 59, No.3, Op. 74 & Op. 133 are pure perfection, with a fiery intensity and a old world enchantment. Sure there is the occasional intonation slip up, but I find it rather charming and a simple reminder that this stuff is very hard to play. In addition, you need not have reservations about the sound quality. In fact, I wish more chamber music sounded this clean and direct with not so much reverb blended into the mix. As one Amazon reviewer said - Enjoy the honest sound, the quality is marvelous. These are magnificent chamber works of Beethoven. There's also a companion Sony Essential Classics CD to this one (Op. 59, No.1 & 2) and both are a must-have for any respectable LVB collection! Such great music at such a acceptable price. A no-brainer! Oh, and just for the record, Op. 133; known as the Grosse Fugue is the best version I've ever heard. The Budapest Quartet never drop the ball on this one. Treasure `em!
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