Customer Reviews

String Quartets #1-3

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If you're not afraid of music that moves both your heart AND your brain, then this CD is worth the work in obtaining it. Honneger's 3 quartets are refreshingingly cerebral in their contrapuntal, driving rhythms and sometimes dissonant melodies, but they represent the energies of a wise man who has much to say about the mystery of living -- and so little time to say it. Like Ernest Bloch's string quartets, Honegger doesn't hide his feelings behind the mega-wattage of his brain. The vitality of spirit behind every note focuses your attention to each bar of music in a rare and sublime way -- "what's gonna happen next?" Words can't do justice to the originality and poetry of these three works. It's shocking to see they aren't better represented in the concert or CD repertoire.

Honegger's three string quartets are brilliant, heartfelt works of sincere truth and beauty. The Ludwig Quartet gives performances that convey great depth and true human emotions. They play with unrestrained energy and appear to be totally dedicated to this music. These works are sometimes brutal and dissonant, but always very honest. The fast movements emphasize rythm and energy, and the slow are ravishingly beautiful reflections on life. Anyone who enjoys Honegger's moving symphonies will surely enjoy these string quartets, as the symphonies seem to be an extension of them. These are wonderful works that are sure to move you with their very honest and human emotions.