Adagio - Doppio movimento - Tempo I - Poco meno mosso - Tempo I
Total time: 67:05
 
 
 
COMPACT DISC SIX
String Quartet No. 14, Op. 142 (1973)
28:56
in F sharp major - in Fis-Dur - en fa dièse majeur
To Sergey Shirinsky
1.
I
Allegretto - Meno mosso - Allegretto - Meno mosso -
9:20
2.
II
Adagio -
10:14
3.
III
Allegretto - Poco meno mosso - Adagio
9:17
String Quartet No. 15, Op. 144 (1974)
41:22
in E flat minor - in es-Moll - en mi bémol mineur
4.
I
Elegy. Adagio -
14:04
5.
II
Serenade. Adagio -
6:17
6.
III
Intermezzo. Adagio -
1:54
7.
IV
Nocturne. Adagio -
5:42
8.
V
Funeral March. Adagio molto -
5:36
9.
VI
Epilogue. Adagio - Adagio molto - Adagio -
7:46
Adagio molto - Adagio - Adagio molto - Adagio - Adagio molto
Total time: 70:34
Chamber: Brodsky Quartet
Daniel Rowland violin
Ian Belton violin
Paul Cassidy viola
Jacqueline Thomas cello
Notes
This new box set with the Brodsky Quartet features Shostakovich’s fifteen string quartets at a special price.
Over the years the Brodsky Quartet has undertaken numerous performances of the complete cycle of quartets by several composers, including Zemlinsky whose set was released on Chandos to critical acclaim last year. It is, however, the complete Shostakovich cycle that has now become synonymous with its name: its 2012 London performance of the cycle resulted in its taking the prestigious title of ‘Artist in Residence’ at the city’s Kings Place.
One of the most rewarding aspects of performing this cycle is the way in which it seems to pan out so naturally and perfectly. To be aware that Shostakovich had intended to write twenty-four quartets, one in every key, but ended up with these fifteen thereby creating a unique musical journey that feels predestined and all-encompassing, makes one think that there really must be a greater force at work.
The Quartet now adds to its famed discography this remarkable box set, recorded live at Amsterdam’s Muziekgebouw.
Please login to post a review
Reviews
The Strad Recommends *
“…may well be the Brodsky Quartet’s crowning recorded achievement..”
Julian Haylock – The Strad – January 2017
“… a heady and powerful set, beautifully produced by the Chandos crew.” ****½
Steve Moffatt – Limelight magazine.com.au – 30 January 2017
“..Filled with gorgeous moments, fearsome passion and remarkable quartet colour, this is certainly a valuable Shostakovich cycle and one which can be firmly recommended…”
Dominy Clements - MusicWeb-International.com – December 2016
“... Having the 15 quartets programmed chronologically over five discs is a real asset, and it’s worth taking the trouble to listen to them in order, the composer’s inner workings forensically exposed... All excellent ... this is as good a modern digital set as you’ll find, and the recorded sound is excellent.”
Graham Rickson – the Artsdesk.com – 21 January 2017
**** (Excellent Disc) *** (Good Sound)
Stéphane Friédérich - Classica magazine (France) - December 2016-January 2017
Performance ***** Recording ****
“... the performances as a whole achieve a rare degree of intensity. It really draws you into the unsettling subtext of Shostakovich’s writing... Perhaps the most impressive aspect of these recordings lies in the huge range of dynamics and timbres that are employed to project the sometimes bewildering sequence of emotions that emanate from Shostakovich’s musical argument...”
Erik Levi – BBC Music magazine – Christmas 2016
Media Downloads
Whenever possible we provide a high resolution CD cover image and a PDF version of the CD booklet for you to download and keep. These are found in your history if purchased and once you have logged in.