Customer Reviews

Britten: String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

these are splendid performances, warmly and crisply recorded, of some of britten's most inspired pieces. i'm a huge fan of britten's second quartet and particular about how it should be played: the maggini do a wonderful job, combining a crackling technique with expansive lyricism and perfect phrasing; tempos seem just right in every movement. this disc and its companion include the three quartets with britten's divertimento and simple symphony in quartet scoring. my one complaint is that the simple symphony seems to add a double bass player who goes uncredited in the liner notes. both discs are highly recommended.

Before purchasing this CD, I had only heard the #2 quartet in concert, and so I'm afraid I cannot offer a comparative review. That said, it seems to me the Maggini Quartet offers all you could reasonably ever want from these works. They combine great elegance with great passion and dynanism. All the strings, including first violin, are sweet and lyrical when called for, and aggressive and trenchant when required. A very "involving" performance, and I've come to love these works and try foisting them on people whenever able.

I have already been thoroughly impressed by the Maggini's version of Britten's third quartet, and I am happy to report that the first volume in the series, containing the first two quartets, is equally impressive. Of course, the technical challenges of this music present no challenge to the Magginis, and they respond with wonderful unity of ensemble, incisive attacks and a marvelous range of nuances. Even if the recorded sound they receive lack a little in warmth and presence that hardly detracts from this splendid release. The first quartet is splendidly done and the three Divertimenti contains plenty of vitality. Yet it is in the second quartet that Maggini's really turns a strongly recommended release into a well-neigh mandatory one. Their approach is relatively unfussy and straightforward, but they generate a staggering momentum, full of air and detail, and the final Chaconne is quite magnificent here. I have not heard all the competition in the Britten quartet, of course, and there are some pretty strong names amongst it, but I doubt that anyone will be remotely disappointed by the Maggini versions. Very strongly recommended.

If I had to pronounce myself for the best string quartets of the century, I should have to give my vote for these admirable works. The first quartet, composed in 1941, is admirable, lyrical and expressive. On the other hand, the second one was a deserved homage to Henry Purcell with motive of being celebrating his 250th anniversary. And what better homage than write a chaconne in the last movement?.

I still have to deplore The Allegri Quartet version has not released on CD format, which it is a pity, because perhaps we are talking about one of their most celebrated musical achievements.

My friend has a recording of the Julliard quartet on London records, but this recording is very nice and well worth the bargain price.