Customer Reviews

Mozart: String Quartet Nos. 22 & 23

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

 

 

I have a very different take on this disc than that of the other reviewer, so different I wonder that we have listened to the same disc. First of all, the recorded sound, as I hear it, is first-rate: the CD delivers a beautifully focused esemble, but with a welcome sense of space around the individual players, and with each instrument's colors registering in a way that sounds downright gorgeous. ...As for the performances, I find them quite wonderful. I hear fabulous ensemble playing and strikingly interesting choices about voicing and coloration (even judicious use of a little portamento now and then!) and an appropriate use of vibrato. All of this is accomplished in the context of a particular style of quartet playing. Of course that style has more in common with the old Budapest Quartet than with the style employed by the vibrato-free preferences of today's "ancient instruments" crowd. But if you think that Mozart's music is rich enough to support playing this expressive, you'll really love this disc. The Shanghai are commonly conceded to be in the Budapest Quartet's league by people old enough to have heard those wonderful old Russians 'live.' I am not, but what I do hear from the Shanghai certainly compares favorably with many of the Budapest's recordings (which I have heard). The liner notes promise more Mozart from the Shanghai. I certainly hope so!

As a forum for musical discussion, I think all points of view relevant, whether I agree with them or not. It so happens that I have heard the Shanghai ensemble play in recital and on CD, and I must admit that these Mozart performances do not do them justice. Consequently, I think that Mr. Sobel has a valid argument. What I cannot accept in intelligent discourse is the belittling and rudeness of reviewers, such as Mr. Schneider, who feel their assessment of favorite music, composers or artists has been assailed. This kind of approach simply does not fly.

The Shanghai's utterly exquisite performance of some of Mozart's most subtly expressive music makes this one of my favorite chamber recordings. In particular, their renderings of the two slow movements from each quartet are so sensitive and melodiously refined that they emphasize the deeply moving, heart-centered qualities of Mozart's deliciously sublime masterpieces. This is music for the angelic orders.

Exceptionally amateurish, stolid, postured playing from the Shanghai String Quartet--- the very same group that gave us an excellent CD of some Alan Hovhaness string quartets, also on this label. Or, maybe it seemed "excellent" because this music had remained unrecorded? Could it be that unfamiliarity lends itself more openly to new repertoire?

Could be.

Because when it comes to Mozart, and especially his late quartets, we're in sublime territory. Caveat emptor all the way for performers who wish to tackle them. Those willing to take up the mantle of these glorious compositions have had better done their "legwork."

The Shanghai ensemble in no way toes the mark, or even close. In a catalogue fierce with brilliant competitors, this group's lumbering and routine playing, their proclivity to be vibrato-rich, and their penchant for swooping, swaying and diddling with tempi is astoundingly unpolished, if not downright childish.

First violinist, Weigang Li, in the liner notes, sums up fairly accurately for us why this disc of Mozart's last two quartets is a distinct disappointment:

"It is hard to make the music sound good. You can't go wrong in intonation... you have to be very accurate and yet you have to sound completely natural, as if you were making up the music as you go along..."

Yes, exactly.

To add insult to injury, the Delos sound is thin and wiry.

[Running time: 51:51]