Review: I have always loved Bela Bartok's six String Quartets but it is very hard to find a cheaper-priced collection which sounds anywhere near as exciting as the acclaimed recording by The Emerson Quartet. However, I think the Alban Berg set is almost as stunning as the Emerson, and the recording of the performance is probably better.
The Emerson CD recording and mixing is good but a bit too cold for some of the lighter passages. However, the recording of this Alban Berg performance really is superb in all areas, with a perfect balance between all four instruments and the correct amount of reverb. The instruments sound quite dry and clear, but there is no loss of warmth at any stage. There is a wonderful sense of intimacy from the closeness of the sound but one never feels as if the players have been cramped into a small recording studio. The most accurate word for the sound is 'natural'.
The performance itself is often incredible. While I probably prefer the Emerson Quartet performance for many of the louder moments, especially for their virtuosity during the aggressive last movement of Bartok's 4th, the Alban Berg players are only slightly less impressive here.
During the softer, melodic moments and the intriguing pizzicato passages, the Alban Berg Quartet is as good as any other, if not better.
I adore the Emerson Quartet performance and it is still the yardstick for any quartet recording the Bartok set, but the performance by the Alban Berg Quartet, combined with a wonderful recording of their interpretation, gives any buyer on a budget a wonderful alternative. Without a budget to consider, it may be second choice but it is a very good one.

Tracklist:

Disc 1

String Quartet No.1 in A minor, Sz52
1. I. Lento
2. II. Allegretto
3. III. Introduzione (Allegro) - Allegro vivace
String Quartet No.2 in A minor, Sz75
4. I. Moderato
5. II. Allegro molto capriccioso
6. III. Lento
String Quartet No.4 in C, Sz95
7. I. Allegro
8. II. Prestissimo, con sordino
9. III. Non troppo lento
10. IV. Allegretto pizzicato
11. V. Allegro molto

Disc 2

String Quartet No.3 in C sharp minor, Sz93
1. I. Prima parte: Moderato
2. II. Seconda parte: Allegro
3. III. Ricapitolazione della prima parte: Moderato - Coda: Allegro molto
String Quartet No.5 in B flat, Sz110
4. I. Allegro
5. II. Adagio molto
6. III. Scherzo (Alla bulgarese) & Trio
7. IV. Andante
8. V. Finale (Allegro vivace)
String Quartet No.6 in D, Sz119
9. I. Mesto - Vivace
10. II. Mesto - Marcia
11. III. Mesto - Burletta (Moderato)
12. IV. Mesto

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