Borodin Quartet - Beethoven: String Quartets, Vol. 4 (2005)

Still at it and still pretty good at it even if not as good at it as it used to be, the Borodin Quartet continues to record with only cellist Valentin Berlinsky still on hand from the Borodin Quartet of the '60s. With a powerful attack and an expressive tone, the new Borodin Quartet is a fine ensemble. But although the attack is powerful, it's not the old Borodin's attack. The angle of attack is different, the point is different, the moment is different. And although the tone is still expressive, it's not the old Borodin's attack. The old sweetness and the sternness are gone and in their place are a new tartness and a greater vehemence. In this coupling of Beethoven 's String Quartets, Opp. 127 and 130, the new Borodin plays with plenty of fire and fury but without the sense of passionate intensity the old Borodin brought to late Beethoven. There is much to admire in the new Borodin's performances -- the strength and concentration and objectivity -- but, finally, one misses the old Borodin's depth of character. Nevertheless, it should be emphasized that the new Borodin is still a fine ensemble and that this recording is well worth hearing by anyone who loves late Beethoven. Chandos' recording is more than warm enough and perhaps a bit too close.