Customer Reviews

String Quartets 10 & 13

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

 

 

I must admit that I have never heard of the Prazák String Quartet prior to buying this CD. The reason that I purchased this CD is because of the CD's particular combination of the Dvorák string quartets (10 and 13). This combination is not to be found anywhere else, at least not at the time of my purchase. Because of the CD's lack of competition (and also since I have never heard of the ensemble), I was worried about the quality of the performance. My worries proved to be pointless, since this recording is first rate. The sound of the strings is full-bodied, which is more than you can say for many other recordings. The Prazák String Quartet plays very well together; while they blend very well as a group, each voice is distinquishable from others. I will admit that I prefer the Prague Quartet over the Prazák Quartet on the Quartet no. 13, but Prazák's 10th ranks among the best out there. The recording matches the quality of the performance; the crystal clear sound really brings forth the subtlety or the power of the string quartet when appropriate. A strong recommendation, especially when it is currently the only single CD pairing these two quartets.

I agree completely with kv581's rating of this recording. With luck (on his/her part), he/she has expanded his/her experience of the extraordinary Prazak Quartet. And if he likes Dvorak, I hope he has purchased their splendid version of the piano quintets. I have to take issue with his somewhat tepid reaction to their interp of the #13, Op. 106 Qt. I love this piece and the Prazaks tear a strip off it. First class. This recording is inexplicably either out of print or just not being imported right now so DON'T HESITATE! Snap it up used.