Customer Reviews

Best of Brodsky Quartet

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Two aspects of the Brodsky Quartet's art lifts it above all its rivals on the world stage. These four instrumentalists have been playing together constantly since early childhood, allowing a level of ensemble unity transcendant in expressive effect. As if this were not enough, it is uniquely gifted in its rhythmic impulse. Few string quartets inspire the invocation of such words as "groove" and "swing," but such language is natural and unavoidable when trying to describe the natural pulse and flow of the Brodsky sound. A ballroom of five hundred could be moved effortlessly around the floor by just the sounds from these four members of the violin family. Where other quartets may make a more dashing impression of romantic passion, the Brodsky Quartet is far and away the best kisser.

The part-writing heard in this collection is unique to this quartet. Violin I Michael Thomas has written most of the arrangements, giving evidence of an understanding of the string quartet unavailable to most composers, aided by his intimate knowledge of the individual players involved.

On this point one must note that they seem happier to be together, less in conflict, than any quartet on record, with tremendous benefits in the long term. They have many decades yet to live, and the prospect of what lies ahead of them affords this listener compelling reason to live long enough to hear it.

Not long after writing this review I heard that the quartet broke up. What do I know? Don't answer that.

This is a great CD - lots of energy - I am listening to it now and it's wonderful! A quartet that's not stuffy and all that stuff - Give it a try -
All the Best,
Simon