![]() ![]() Here we also have Beethoven’s own quartet transcription of his Piano Sonata Op 14 No 1, perceptively performed, as is everything else in the set. The late quartets included here are not to be confused with the Smetana’s 1960s recordings of the same works (see Replay, 10/06), where there are some major differences tempo-wise and Op 130’s repeat isn’t observed (though the Grosse Fuge still serves to conclude the work). „Then there’s Supraphon’s reissue of the Smetana Quartet’s beautifully engineered cycle for the Japanese Nippon Columbia label – its first release outside of Japan, in fact – recorded between 1976 and 1985, a vade mecum of subtle asides (try Op 59 No 1’s minutely shaded second movement), again with the Grosse Fuge serving as Op 130’s finale and the same quartet’s long first-movement repeat intact. Below is a review of the box-set in the November issue of Gramophone.īox-Set Round Up – Rob Cowan dips into two Beethoven quartet cycles and revisits a legendary Russian group This splendid 7CD box-set is the very first release on CD beyond Japan. Idyllic performances.In August 2020, Supraphon released a superb recording of the Beethoven's complete string quartets by the legendary Smetana Quartet recorded at the turn of the 70's and 80's in Prague for Nippon Columbia. Outstandingly beautiful playing of beguiling sensitivity and exhilarationĮlegant and sensitive recordings of some of the finest British chamber works of our century. They have a fine intuitive sense of how the music ought to go, combined with a collective sonority that is perfectly appropriate for it.īridge, Elgar and Walton Quartets (Hyperion) They might have been born to play Mendelssohn. Op 44 are echt Mendelssohn….the Coull Quartet renders all of this with enthusiasm, an attractively transparent sound and commendable musical intelligence. The Coull Quartet’s warm and unforced quality is a delight to the ear, while a certain melancholy, which at times pervades the music, is ideally captured. The Coull Quartet’s finely drawn readings frequently paint portraits of elegance and refinement. In the first volume of the series the Coull Quartet tackles Schubert’s early string quartets with freshness and concentration that are consistently compelling, giving strongly committed, characterful and spontaneous performances and displaying a natural feeling for the composer’s unique lyrical impulse. ….one could hardly wish for better Schubert playing I have nothing but praise for a display so full of wisdom and musicality. Sibelius String Quartet and Piano Quintet (SOMM) ![]() This is one of the finest discs I have heard recently The Coull Quartet’s carefully prepared and entirely committed readings are just superb. Their performance is wonderfully authoritative with characterisation and pacing perfectly judged. …characteristic force, tenacity and substance that left one longing for an instant replay.Ī standard of intonation and tonal matching that is well nigh flawless their ensemble is as refined as any quartet I can think of. Playing of heartening exuberance and thoughtfulness penetrating to the heart of a most difficult and demanding programme. ![]() The Coull Quartet’s performance was superb, pure-toned, powerful, dramatic and with considerable charm and a lovely frothy lightness.Įxquisite string playing, technical poise and genuine spirituality Here is a group, exceptionally intelligent and responsive, which gives freshness to any music it touches. The group produces a bright robust sound and plays with a stylistic command that matches its exuberance. the group’s precision, intonation and balance defied criticism. The Coull Quartet gave a knock-out performance at the Frick Gallery …. Or, indeed, the consistently insightful, collegial contributions of cellist Nicholas Roberts in all five movements – string quartet playing at its very finest. That said, it’s hard not to single out leader Roger Coull’s exquisite shaping of the keening semi-soliloquy Britten writes for his instrument in the central solo movement. The Coulls are, in other words, a totally selfless ensemble of players: there are no egos intervening, just a deeply seasoned dedication to the message of the music. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |