Brentano String Quartet - Beethoven: The Late String Quartets Op. 135 & Op. 132 (2013) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135: I. Allegretto
02. String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135: II. Vivace
03. String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135: III. Lento assai, cantante e tranquillo
04. String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135: IV. Grave, ma non troppo tratto - Allegro
05. String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: I. Assai sostenuto - Allegro
06. String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: II. Allegro ma non tanto
07. String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: III. Molto adagio
08. String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: IV. Alla marcia, assai vivace
09. String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: V. Allegro appassionato


The Brentano String Quartet released its first Beethoven album on Aeon in 2011, presenting exceptional performances of the String Quartet in E flat major, Op. 127, and the String Quartet in C sharp minor, Op. 131. This follow-up CD is no less remarkable, because the ensemble continues its foray into the late quartets with the String Quartet in A minor, Op. 132, and the last in the series, the String Quartet in F major, Op. 135, playing with the same balance of independent voices and unity of purpose. Despite appearing toward the end of Beethoven's career, when he is usually categorized as a Romantic composer, these works are Classical in their orientation, and the equal involvement of the musicians in repartée is a distinguishing feature that the Brentano Quartet exploits to best advantage. Yet there are many places in these works where they must play either in unison or as a single instrument with homophonic textures, and their alacrity and smoothness in switching roles is notable. The sound of the recording is quite close, giving the group great presence and clear details, while also capturing every sound they make, including humming and breathing. While this is a minor annoyance, listeners should still appreciate the depth of the interpretations and the excellence of the playing, which make the incidental noises forgivable.

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