Notes and Editorial Reviews
"The great F-Major Quartet, op. 59/1, is a highlight on the Virgin set: the Borodins take a lyrical, symphonic view with moderate tempos throughout the opening movement. Sforzandos and accents are never harsh; the dolce moments have memorable sweetness. In the Allegretto vivace, the Russian quartet realizes this somewhat unusual tempo marking without artifice or exaggeration, as 16th notes nimbly chase each other around the ensemble, perfectly matched and effortless.
The third movement—Adagio molto e mesto—is played slightly faster and less mesto than many versions. In the bel canto-like section accompanied by pizzicatos, the Borodins achieve a shimmering, translucent sound while the transition to the Thème russe
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is particularly well judged.
The op. 95 “Quartetto serioso” finds the Borodins in top form again. They attack the opening Allegro con brio with urgency and energy, expressed vividly through a rich and full-bodied sound. The Borodins are well balanced here; cellist Berlinsky’s playing somewhat more consistent than elsewhere. Transitions between raging 16th notes and the lyrical sections are impressively focused and well integrated. In the Allegretto, Berlinsky’s poised mezza voce perfectly sets up the movement. The Allegro assai is powerful but not heavy handed or strenuous, though I wasn’t quite convinced by the transition from the key change to the Piu allegro, the first violinist’s eighth notes not quite adding up. The Borodins are completely convincing in the final Allegro as they approach Beethoven’s nearly impossible marking of molto leggieremente.
The late Quartets are represented by op. 130...with a heartfelt performance of the A-Minor Quartet’s central molto adagio. The moderate tempo chosen by the Borodins for the succeeding Alla marcia helps it not jar after the sublime beauty of the Molto adagio.
In sum, I might characterize this group of Borodins by using Beethoven’s frequent ma non troppo marking. Their playing is serious, centered, thoughtful, and tonally beautiful; they never play for effect. In a crowded field, they happily occupy a solid middle ground."
-- Michael Fine, Fanfare [5/2005]
Reviewing Virgin 62258
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Works on This Recording
1.
Quartet for Strings no 7 in F major, Op. 59 no 1 "Razumovsky" by Ludwig van Beethoven
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Borodin String Quartet
Written: 1805-6
2.
Quartet for Strings no 9 in C major, Op. 59 no 3 "Razumovsky" by Ludwig van Beethoven
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Borodin String Quartet
Written: 1805/6
3.
Quartet for Strings no 11 in F minor, Op. 95 "Serioso" by Ludwig van Beethoven
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Borodin String Quartet
Written: 1810
4.
Quartet for Strings no 15 in A minor, Op. 132 by Ludwig van Beethoven
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Borodin String Quartet
Period: Classical
Written: 1825; Vienna, Austria
Sound Samples
String Quartet No. 7 in F Op. 59 No. 1, 'Razumovsky': I. Allegro
String Quartet No. 7 in F Op. 59 No. 1, 'Razumovsky': II. Allegretto vivace e sempre scherzando
String Quartet No. 7 in F Op. 59 No. 1, 'Razumovsky': III. Adagio molto e mesto
String Quartet No. 7 in F Op. 59 No. 1, 'Razumovsky': IV. Allegro (Thème russe)
String Quartet No. 9 in C major Op. 59 No. 3, 'Razumovsky': I. Introduzione (Andante con moto) - Allegro vivace
String Quartet No. 9 in C major Op. 59 No. 3, 'Razumovsky': II. Andante con moto quasi allegretto
String Quartet No. 9 in C major Op. 59 No. 3, 'Razumovsky': III. Menuetto (Grazioso) & Trio
String Quartet No. 9 in C major Op. 59 No. 3, 'Razumovsky': IV. Allegro molto
String Quartet No. 11 in F minor Op.95: I. Allegro con brio
String Quartet No. 11 in F minor Op.95: II. Allegretto ma non troppo
String Quartet No. 11 in F minor Op.95: III. Allegro assai vivace, ma serioso
String Quartet No. 11 in F minor Op.95: IV. Larghetto espressivo - Allegretto agitato - Allegro
String Quartet No. 15 in A minor Op. 132: I. Assai sostenuto - Allegro
String Quartet No. 15 in A minor Op. 132: II. Allegro ma non tanto
String Quartet No. 15 in A minor Op. 132: III. Molto adagio
String Quartet No. 15 in A minor Op. 132: IV. Alla marcia, assai vivace
String Quartet No. 15 in A minor Op. 132: V. Allegro appasionato
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