summits of the composer's creative output. The Lindsays have lived with this music for a long time, and this intimate knowledge of the musical argument shines through this account. Every great quartet has attempted this piece, and here the Lindsays add their own interpretative stamp in no uncertain terms. In a piece which encompasses an entire lifetime of emotions, it is fitting that they are not afraid to stretch the music to its fullest extent: the second movement is a true Presto, scampering along at a tremendous rate, and the contrasts of the first movement are given their full due. They are at their finest in the mighty "Grosse Fuge" finale. Here Beethoven stretches quartet writing to its very limits (it still sounds modern, even today). The Lindsays display furious concentration and determination, while bringing an otherworldly quality to some of the quieter passages. They certainly refuse to apologise for the striking, sparse textures and the stark juxtapositions: the result is nothing less than triumphant. The alternative movement Beethoven provided because of the extreme demands of the "Grosse Fuge" is included on the disc along with a second performance of the preceding Cavatina. --Colin Clarke
Beethoven-String Quartets 7
Played with its intended finale, Beethoven's String Quartet Op.130 represents one of the
... more
summits of the composer's creative output. The Lindsays have lived with this music for a long time, and this intimate knowledge of the musical argument shines through this account. Every great quartet has attempted this piece, and here the Lindsays add their own interpretative stamp in no uncertain terms. In a piece which encompasses an entire lifetime of emotions, it is fitting that they are not afraid to stretch the music to its fullest extent: the second movement is a true Presto, scampering along at a tremendous rate, and the contrasts of the first movement are given their full due. They are at their finest in the mighty "Grosse Fuge" finale. Here Beethoven stretches quartet writing to its very limits (it still sounds modern, even today). The Lindsays display furious concentration and determination, while bringing an otherworldly quality to some of the quieter passages. They certainly refuse to apologise for the striking, sparse textures and the stark juxtapositions: the result is nothing less than triumphant. The alternative movement Beethoven provided because of the extreme demands of the "Grosse Fuge" is included on the disc along with a second performance of the preceding Cavatina. --Colin Clarke
Work Title: String Quartet No. 15 in A minor, Op. 132
Excerpt(s): 1. Assai sostenuto_Allegro 2. Allegro ma non tanto 3. Molto adagio (Dankgesang eines Genesenen an die Gottheit, in der lydischen Tonart) 4. Alla marcia, assai vivace 5. Allegro appassionato
Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 - 1827)
Genre: Chamber
Date Written: 1825
Date Recorded: 1999
Orchestra / Ensemble: Kodály Quartet
Location of Work Recording: Phoenix Studio, Budapest
Work 2
Work Title: String Quartet in F, H34
Excerpt(s): 1. String Quartet in F, H34
Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 - 1827)
Genre: Chamber
Date Written: 1801-2
Date Recorded: 1999
Orchestra / Ensemble: Kodály Quartet
Location of Work Recording: Phoenix Studio, Budapest
Advantages: dynamic and gripping Disadvantages: none
...Fantastic to have another additional collection of all five of Beethoven's piano concerti. Spanning his life we can really get to grips with his evolving use of the orchestra in these works. From the Third's action packed finale to the Fourth's beautiful expressions to the grandeur of the much loved Fifth.
The playing is precise, dramatic and full of energy; as indeed it should be.
Aimard's playing is always well crafted and beautifully shaped. This is an insightful disk and has taken the musicians an awful lot of hard work. A must-have for any lover of Beethoven's piano music. If you usually go for his chamber music or stringquartets why not branch out and explore Aimard's wonderful take on these concerti? Well worth buying and indeed an inspiration for myself and other pianists alike....
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: One of Beethoven's finest symphonies. Disadvantages: None from me, but some will say "classical music is boring".
...THE END OF AN ERA
1812 can be seen as the markerpoint where Beethoven's middle-period came to an end and his late-period was ushered in. Beethoven's middle-period saw the composer at his most creative high with one masterpiece following the other in rapid succession. The beginning of this period can roughly be timed as starting in 1803 with the appearance of the Third Symphony "Eroica" and the "Kreutzer" sonata. These two works signalled Beethoven distinctly leaving the 18th century Classicism of Haydn and Mozart behind him and taking on a completely new and individual voice. This individuality became more and more apparent in the works that followed: the "Waldstein" and "Appassionata" piano sonatas, the "Razumovski" quartets, the Violin Concerto, the three last cello sonatas, the "Archduke" piano trio, Fidelio, the Fifth and Sixth...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Haunting, passionate music to get lost in. Disadvantages: It's classical and this puts people off before they even try it.
...Schubert left no indication of his inspiration for this piece it is known that he had around the time of composing it played the Viola in Beethoven’sstringquartet No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 131 (1826) of which Wagner has commented, “a soul in distress”, followed by pleasant visions, a new yearning for life, beauty, gentleness, yearning, love, whims, humour, hilarity” and then “transition to resignation and painful renunciation” – one man’s reaction and sure proof of the music’s ability to evoke both strong emotion and powerful imagery.”
This music sent Schubert “into such transports of delight and enthusiasm that all feared for him”.
Beethoven had died the previous year (1827) and Schubert had not only visited him shortly before his death but was also a torchbearer at his funeral.
I am no authority on music, I can’t discuss...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
very helpful 28.09.2003
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