Customer Reviews

Kronos Quartet Performs Alfred Schnittke: The Complete String Quartets

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This is a powerful, harrowing cycle of string quartets, beautifully played by the Kronos Quartet, and recorded for Nonesuch. The First, from 1966, defiantly uses serialism, and this contributed to Schnittke's subsequent dissident status with the regime. He was forced to make his living doing film scores, which for some reason was allowed. The Second Quartet, from 1980, shows a remarkable continuity with the First, despite the long interval.

It is the Third Quartet (and we have here the recording previously issued on WINTER WAS HARD in 1987) from 1983 that marks Schnittke's turn to "polystylism," with references to Beethoven, Wagner and Shostakovich. Less harsh, this piece captures as well as any Schnittke's basic affinity with Mahler and Shostakovich, as opposed to the more radical innovations in 20th century music. The 35-minute Fourth Quartet is masterful, full of the anguish and dread so characteristic of Schnittke.

This is a splendid set that stands alongside the finest interpretations of Bartok, Shostakovich, Kurtag, Ligeti, and Carter. I consider Schnittke to be one of the best composers of the late 20th century -- see my SCHNITTKE: A LISTENER'S GUIDE for more recordings and reviews.

Kronos plays these quartets with passion and fire. No matter how "abstract" the musical material, the emotional impact of the music is deeply felt. Some of the emotional material is very dark (and it's particularly poignant that this collection is coming out in the year of the composer's death), but I came away intensely exhilerated. Anyone who loves Bartok and Shostakovich should definitely have these as part of their collection.

Listening to the Kronos quartet playing Schnittke's Fourth Quartet is purely an intellectual exercice. In their seriousness they don't seem to capture the emotional spirit of the late composer. Compare it to the intelligent, emotional rendition of the Fourth Quartet by the Alban Berg Quartet (dedicatee of the work) and you will measure the ocean between them... Kronos should smile for a change! On another note, the CD's booklet is interesting and fun too!
Again listen to the alternative: Alban Berg Quartet for the Fourth and Borodine for the Third and the First... The discovery is worth spending a bit more time and effort!

I recommend also the Arditti String Quartet sensitive and intelligent performance. The Schnittke second quartet is incredibly rich in colors. The pulsation is always present, the folk melodies underlying the rich texture are well defined and never forced. The fourth movement is simply out of this world.

This performance shames the fashionable, predictable, mono dimensional Kronos.

i know nothing of Schnittke's music. i only know what moves me. these quartets move me. the Kronos Quartet are masters of interpreting 20th century music. and they do a magnificent job here, bringing Schnittke's notes off paper and into the air. It can be intense and then in a milli-second turn clam. the composition is amazing. Schnittke uses dissonance to paint a portrait so vivid one can almost see the music floating through the air. a must for lovers of 20th century music and a must for those wanting to expand their ear.

This set has two short extra pieces, in addition to the four quartets. One of them is "Collected Songs Where Every Verse is Filled With Grief," which is apparently Kronos' title. The piece is their arrangement of the second movement of Schnittke's acappella Choir Concerto. I have no idea why they would call a single 8-minute piece "collected songs," but it certainly is filled with grief. In fact, I cannot think of another piece of music that conveys deeper grief. Yet, in the version of the Choir Concerto that I own, the chorus conveys spirituality rather than grief.

I adore this recording. The Kronos do an excellent job of playing the heart out of these anguished and soulful pieces. (I heard them perform all 4 quartets in one concert recital, back in 1994 or so.) Schnittke wrote amazingly for strings, especially violins. In fact, I can't think of another late twentieth century composer who wrote so intensely and idiomatically for string instruments. This is like music for live wires. I was interested to read Steve Reich's liner notes for the recording of his Triple Quartet, where he cites the Agitato movment of the Second Quartet as an inspiration. I love that movement also, there is nothing like it, furious, poignant, and transcendent in equal measure. I would not be without the performance of the Second Quartet that was recorded by the Beethoven Quartet back in the early 80s, available on Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab at one time, but the Kronos are no mere make-do. A tremendous musical event is on offer here. All we need now is a Kronos recordng of Schnittke's wonderful Piano Quintet! (Perhaps with Aji Takahashi on piano?)

Both aspects of music are necessary to make a satsifiing performance. The Kronos achieves excellence in both levels. I disagree with the reviewer who says "mechanical excercise" in performance.
I own the Shostakovich sq's with the Borodin/Melodyia/1970's recording, and can compare this performance to that legendary group/recording.IOW the essence of the music comes forth from the instruments, the music is alive. "leaves the instruments"
I was told by a friend from a classical music chat forum, Good music guide, that this Kronos was not his recommended choice.
But my research indicated otherwise. So I "took the chance" and ordered it. To my surprise this recording more than met my hopes for a fine recording.
As a reviewer mentioned, if you are familiar with Bartok and Shostakovich's sq's, the Schnittke will be a welcomed addition to your chamber listenings.
The russians have fully acknowledged Schnittke as Shostakovich's true heir. Something that syruck me at first hearing hiw syms 3/Rozhdestvensy, 4/Rozhdestvensky, and especially Schnittke's incredible Concerto grosso4/Sym5 (goes by that name , as it botha sym and a concerto grosso). On the BIS label.
Schnittke, one of the last genius in composition, beginning with Bach. Music of a sacred nature, food for the soul of modern man.

EDIT:
Now after a few months of knowing this set, I'm convinced of the deep devotion of the Kronos in the Schnittke.
Deeply committed performance in these chamber works of high genius.
As much as I love the Bartok and Shostakovich sq's, I' might have to say the Schnittke offer even more.
Highly recommended to all Schnittke fans.

EDIT Dec 19, 2011
I sold this set off,,for some reason these SQ's just did not work for me..perhaps at a later date..In spite of, I'm still a intensely devoted fan of this incredible musical genius.