Dvorák: String Quartets No. 10, Op. 51; No. 14, Op. 105

Antonin Dvorak (Composer), Vlach Quartet Prague (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Vlach Quartet Prague
• Composer: Antonin Dvorak
• Audio CD (April 8, 1997)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Naxos
• ASIN: B0000014DK
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #146,106 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

These Dvorřak Quartets are heard a little more frequently than most of the others. The composer's two last quartets, Opp. 105 and 106, are somewhat more serious in tone than most of the earlier ones. But they still have those gorgeous melodies, dance rhythms, and a sense of going somewhere at their own pace. Op. 51, composed right in the middle of Dvorřak's career, has more youthful fervor. If you've heard any of the discs in this series, you won't need any prompting to keep on buying them, since the music, stylish performances, and recording are all so excellent. If not, though, don't be afraid; they're a very cheap addiction. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Most Beautiful Chamber Music Recordings, August 7, 2000

By 

Patrick A Daley (Fredericton, New Brunswick) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dvorák: String Quartets No. 10, Op. 51; No. 14, Op. 105 (Audio CD)

The series of recordings of Dvorák's chamber music by the Vlach Quartet of Prague has been outstanding. Not only are the performances first class but the recording quality is excellent. This recording of Quartets nos. 10 and 14 has to be the cream of them all.

From the very first rocking notes of no. 10, op 51, it is evident this is going to be a world class performance. The opening Allegro ma non troppo is unforgettable, as the previous reviewer remarked. The richness of the sound, and the range of the interpretation from delicate to dramatic, are remarkable. The second movement, the Dumka, is done to perfection. The Andante relaxed and sensuous. The generally lively last movement has many varied moods, from lyrical to rough and tumble. It's a most wonderful performance in every way, an absolute delight.

No. 14, Op. 105 starts off as an adagio, but shortly reaches the main allegro theme, very memorably performed. The molto vivace, which at times is quite by slow and lyrical, is nicley pointed. The lento is exceedingly beautiful, played with great feeling. The final allegro is given a nice lilt, alternating with a fine lyricism. This is a really outstanding playing, most enjoyable.

All in all, this is simply one of the finest chamber music recordings I have ever heard.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Doesn't get much better, June 18, 2000

By 

Mr JB (Karlskrona Sweden) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dvorák: String Quartets No. 10, Op. 51; No. 14, Op. 105 (Audio CD)

This is one of the Naxos-recordings where you won't have to worry about the quality. It's first class playing as well as good sound.

The Vlach Quartet Prague offers great nerve and intensity as well as beauty to both of these lovely quartets, not beaten by any other recording, although there are others that are just as good (listen to the DG Dvorak-series for example). But at this price it's unbeaten.

The Vlach quartet here reminds you that Dvorak was one of the greatest string-composers of all time. The first allegro of quartet no. 10 will stay on your mind for a long time. Buy it!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Most Beautiful Chamber Music Recordings, August 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Dvorák: String Quartets No. 10, Op. 51; No. 14, Op. 105 (Audio CD)

The series of recordings of Dvorák's chamber music by the Vlach Quartet of Prague has been outstanding. Not only are the performances first class but the recording quality is excellent. This recording of Quartets nos. 10 and 14 has to be the cream of them all.

From the very first rocking notes of no. 10, op 51, it is evident this is going to be a world class performance. The opening Allegro ma non troppo is unforgettable, as the previous reviewer remarked. The richness of the sound, and the range of the interpretation from delicate to dramatic, are remarkable. The second movement, the Dumka, is done to perfection. The Andante relaxed and sensuous. The generally lively last movement has many varied moods, from lyrical to rough and tumble. It's a most wonderful performance in every way, an absolute delight.

No. 14, Op. 105 starts off as an adagio, but shortly reaches the main allegro theme, very memorably performed. The molto vivace, which at times is quite by slow and lyrical, is nicley pointed. The lento is exceedingly beautiful, played with great feeling. The final allegro is given a nice lilt, alternating with a fine lyricism. This is a really outstanding playing, most enjoyable.

All in all, this is simply one of the finest chamber music recordings I have ever heard.