Beethoven in Hollywood
06/14/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ludwig van Beethoven's late string quartets have been aptly described as "works of philosophy written in the language of music". Containing some of the composer's most complex and profoundly mystical music , these works have long represented the "Holy Grail" relentlessly sought by chamber music ensembles . Even if one has to acknowlege the fact that no single interpretation of a work of music ( or any art , for that matter ) could be claimed to be definitive , these recordings by Hollywood String Quartet seem closer to this description then most . Composed of 4 brilliant Hollywood film studio musicians , this group was one of the most highly esteemed quartets of the 1950s . The power and tonal beauty of their playing is , put simply , stunning . But infinately more important is the magic spell the foursome casts on a listener , radiating warmth , repose and wisdom in slow movements and unleashing all the Beethovenian storms in faster ones. This is chamber music-making of the highest order - full of insight and personality and far removed from the soulless mechanical precision of some modern groups . Perhaps some of the tempi and the "golden" quality of the quartet's sound might be considered extreme by purists , but it's worth remembering that Beethoven's own playing was described by his students as free , marked by metrical freedom and extreme rubato . Just listen to the Heiliger Dankgesang or Grosse Fuge and , I swear on my CD player , you will surrender unconditionally . This , along with Guarneri Quartet on RCA , Busch Quartet on EMI , and , of course , Budapest Quartet on Bridge is an indispensible classic . The recording is mono , but the sound is rich and well-detailed , albeit with some background hiss ."
In A Class By Itself
V. Stasov | 02/27/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Here are aristocratic interpretations of Beethoven's late string quartets, magnificently performed on an exalted plane by the legendary Hollywood String Quartet. These extraordinary readings of great beauty reveal the esoteric depths of Beethoven's most mysterious compositions. The rich, luxuriant sound is generated by four brilliant artists with common musical roots, who seem to be of one soul. While the sound is sensuous and expressive, and the playing technically awe inspiring, the HSQ never loses sight of this music's spiritual content.
Unfulfilled with their professional work as film studio musicians, these virtuosic artists, who were also close friends and family, initially came together to express and share their gifts in the intimacy of chamber playing. Their glorious ensemble was fortunately preserved by Capitol records' single microphone recording procedure. Thanks to their expertise in the recording studios of Hollywood, these four artists had an absolute understanding of how to create a perfect, integrated and natural sound.
Especially in the sublime Opus 132 in a minor, the Hollywood String Quartet brings an insight and depth unique to their collective vision. The Heiliger Dankgesang, Beethoven's song of thanks to the "Gottheit" for his recovery from serious illness, is performed with deepest devotion and reverential purity.
Impeccable ensemble, luminous warmth and the most profound expressions of the ideals of beauty are the hallmarks of this legendary and venerated group.
Highest recommendation."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1