COMPOSERS: Brahms/Dvorak
LABELS: Teldec
WORKS: String Quartet in C minor, Op. 51/1; String Quartet in A minor, Op. 51/2; String Quartet in B flat, Op. 67; String Quartet in G, Op. 106
PERFORMER: Alban Berg Quartet
CATALOGUE NO: 4509-95503-2 ADD (1975/78)
The Alban Berg Quartet brings its customary technical precision and polish to bear on the Brahms quartets. At times the textures are glossily symphonic, which is particularly effective in the concerto-like passages, but can make the more intimate sections sound dispassionate. This coolness is also evident in the account of the Dvorák quartet – the folk elements are all but tamed – but there are moments of startling eloquence. William Humphreys-Jones
Brahms/Dvorak: String Quartet in C minor, Op. 51/1; String Quartet in A minor, Op. 51/2; String Quartet in B flat, Op. 67; String Quartet in G, Op. 106
The Alban Berg Quartet brings its customary technical precision and polish to bear on the Brahms quartets. At times the textures are glossily symphonic, which is particularly effective in the concerto-like passages, but can make the more intimate sections sound dispassionate. This coolness is also evident in the account of the Dvorák quartet – the folk elements are all but tamed – but there are moments of startling eloquence. William Humphreys-Jones
Our rating
4
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:32 pm