Customer Reviews

Inside Beethoven's Quartets: History, Performance, Interpretation

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This is a wonderful book based on an exciting concept. The Juilliard Quartet and renowned Beethoven scholar Lewis Lockwood have combined their talents to bring a new level of appreciation to Beethoven's string quartets. They analyze, discuss and perform first movements from three quartets, one from each of the three traditional groupings of early, middle and late quartets: the Op. 18, no. 1; Op. 59, no. 1 and Op. 130. Also included is the "Amenda" (first) version of the first movement of the Op. 18, no. 1. For each selection, there is a section of the book devoted to a brief overview of the entire quartet, movement by movement. This is followed by a thorough discussion of the movement in question, by Lewis Lockwood. Then comes a fascinating discussion among Lockwood and the members of the Juilliard Quartet, ranging across such topics as the tempos, Beethoven's decisions to include or delete repeats, relationships to other components or aspects of the quartet, and parallels among other works by Beethoven or even other composers. Although I am not highly literate in musical matters, I was able to understand and enjoy most of the discussion. Following the discussion is an annotated score for the entire movement being considered. On top of these features, the book includes a CD of the Juilliard Quartet performing each of the movements, including the "Amenda" version. The reader can follow the analysis or discussion with the score and listen to the music simultaneously. There are also footnotes and an index. I cannot imagine a better way for an ordinary person to become thoroughly immersed in Beethoven's string quartets apart from having artists and experts like these appear live in one's home.

Harvard University Press deserves real credit for this outstanding concept and handsome volume. The $35 list price makes it a bargain, considering how attractive and thoughtfully designed the book is and that it includes a CD as well. I plan to spend many delighted hours with this volume.