Beethoven: Complete String Quartets [BOX SET]

Alexander String Quartet (Artist, Orchestra), Ludwig van Beethoven (Composer), Ge-Fang Yang (Conductor, Performer), Frederick Lifsitz (Conductor, Performer), Paul Yarbrough & Sandy Wilson (Conductor, Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: Ge-Fang Yang, Frederick Lifsitz, Paul Yarbrough & Sandy Wilson
• Orchestra: Alexander String Quartet
• Conductor: Ge-Fang Yang, Frederick Lifsitz, Paul Yarbrough & Sandy Wilson
• Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
• Audio CD (March 9, 1999)
• Number of Discs: 9
• Format: Box set
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Arte Nova Records
• ASIN: B00000I9M7
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #425,746 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Get this set!, March 17, 2000

By	John Buie (United States) - See all my reviews

From the same label (Arte Nova) that brought you Zinman's extaordinary Beethoven symphony cycle comes this set of Beethoven's string quartets, which I consider nearly as great an accomplishment. Actually, I purchased this bargain set more out of curiosity than anything else. I already owned the highly praised Emerson Quartet cycle (see my review) and had been pretty disappointed with it. Needless to say, my expectations for this set were not very high...Boy, was I pleasantly surprised! Now this was more like it! In my opinion, this is precisely how Beethoven's string quartets should be played, ie. with technical accuracy combined with emotional intensity. The one thing that had bothered me most about the Emerson set was their seeming lack of emotional attachment to the music. The Alexanders have that "Innigkeit" in spades, which really makes their performances come alive. The Alexanders make the fast movements quick and exciting to listen to, the slow movements flowing and exquisitely detailed. The technical side of their playing is likewise of high caliber, if not on the Emerson's level. The recordings themselves are quite vivid with excellent definition and clarity. All in all, this set would be tough to resist at any price. At its super bargain price, this is truly a must-own! Yep, I think Arte Nova has another winner on its hands!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a surprise!, April 10, 2000

By	William Lai (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews

At a budget price, this recording of the Beethoven String Quartet cycle cannot be beat! I picked this up at a mortar and brick store out of sheer curiousity and mainly because of the cheap price, and I was surprised by its great value. The quality of the recording is not bad and the musicianship is outstanding. Their attention to detail makes their performances a joy to listen to over and over again. The balance is great and if you like a big viola sound, check out these recordings. Maybe not as impressive as the Emerson or some of the more well known quartets, but give these guys a chance and you won't disappointed. Don't be put off by the bargain price.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beethoven's finest, November 2, 2000

By A Customer

On the advice of the previous reviewers, I bought these recordings and have been enormously satisfied. They are indeed sonically and musically excellent. Let me add here that I would prefer a box of Beethoven's String Quartets (and this box in particular) over any box of Beethoven's Piano Sonatas or Beethoven's Symphonies. (New to string quartets? String quartets need to be listened to in ultra-high-fidelity, rather than in a car...)