Customer Reviews

Shostakovich: Fragments Vol. 2 - String Quartets Nos. 8-15/Preludes & Fugues (arr. Grafilo)/Unfinished String Quartet (3 CDs)

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This is basically the second half of Shostakovich's String Quartet output committed to CD by the Alexander String Quartet. If you are expecting driven urgent performances you will be disappointed. But if you will settle for deeply expressive clarity which you can clearly hear every string line then this might be just for you. The playing is top notch even if speeds are bit slow. I think that this still shows the players to be very good. The 8th through the 15th string quartets are featured. Plus there is an Unfinished String Quartet of 1961 in one movement which lasts 7 minutes and 35 seconds. This is a first time recording of this work and that is something collector's ought to know.

I bought this second half first just because in my opinion the second half of Shostakovich's String Quartet output is more interesting than his first half. Now that I know how good this is I plan on getting the Alexander String Quartet doing Shostakovich String Quartets 1-7 plus the Piano Quintet.

Words really can't describe the Alexander's sound to well. They just sound like they get every note perfect if in slightly "slow motion." This is quite a change from many other Shostakovich String Quartet issues were it sounds like the players are about to explode or they do explode and maybe just hit a note not quite the right way. I assure you the Alexander's are note perfect, but take there time.

I feel like I am reviewing this all with a caveat. But this issue gets five stars for being underrated and under the radar of most people collecting Shostakovich. It's also about time that we had a little bit of sanity in the playing of these string quartets. I can almost relax back in the lazy boy and listen now. I think I will:-)