Bartók: (6) String Quartets

Advantages: Great music, great performances
Disadvantages: Unfamiliarity

...I’ve loved the Piano Quartet since first hearing it on R3. Written at Oxford as a teenager it is an astounding (and humbling) creation, which betrays its creators years if you can mentally re-score sections, such as the opening of the last movement, for a rock band – those pounding chords and short motifs are heavy-metal rifs for piano and strings! The ‘rock’ turns into ragtime at the end – not sure if that’s progress but it’s definitely fun! The rest of the disc will not disappoint – except for the teenager’s complaint (mine!) that it’s not loud enough!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Excellent modern music
Disadvantages: None

...Karl Jenkins became famous a few years ago with Adiemus. However, he has composed many more modern pieces, including Palladio. Many people will have heard it without knowing, as it has been used on the advert for Scottish Widdows, and a diamond advert. This beautiful piece for string orchestra is a definite must for any serious collection. The CD also features Adiemus variations, Passacaglia and String Quartet No. 2, all of which make interesting listening. The CD is worth buying just for Palladio alone, performed brilliantly by the London Philharmonic Strings. Highly recommended.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Recognisable tunes
Disadvantages: Neither fish nor foul. Best stick to the original

...this track with a polonaise - style foot-tapping rhythm. The dialogue between the lead instruments and the backing is 'busy' and tends to become disjointed at times giving the feeling that at least one more performer is needed to make up the numbers. 4. Don't Stop (+2) Thios song received a rather jaunty treatment with swing cello backing. The lead instrument, particularly in the second half, is more Reinhart that Menuhin 5. Go Your Own Way (-6) A rapid chirruping from the lower registers heralds the violin line. The arrangement goes with quite a swing and the lead bowing is quite light, producing a mellow sound this time - this could just be a movement from a genuine string quartet. This is probably the least immediately obvious interpretation of the all of the songs (although the tune is still recognisable) and is therefore probably... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful