Search - Sandor Roth, Jozsef Smilovits :: Complete Strings Quartets 2

This is a piece of phonographic history, part of the first recorded series of Beethoven's complete String Quartets. The Léner Quartet, from Hungary, was one of Eastern Europe's most prominent ensembles. Their performances are quite respectable, respectful of the music and decently executed, certainly within the style of their time. Though sounding rather old-fashioned today, the early recordings remain well balanced and listenable. There are better-played performances of these works in more recent recordings, but for those interested in a historical excavation, this is a worthwhile set. --Leslie Gerber