Long absent from the active catalog following the unfortunate demise of the Calliope label, the highly-praised Beethoven interpretations of the legendary Talich Quartet make a welcome return with this specially-priced, limited-edition reissue from La Dolce Volta. The original seven-disc set of the complete String Quartets has been digitally remastered for optimal sound and is presented in a deluxe package befitting the nobility of these wonderful performances.Long absent from the active catalog following the unfortunate demise of the Calliope label, the highly-praised Beethoven interpretations of the legendary Talich Quartet make a welcome return with this specially-priced, limited-edition reissue from La Dolce Volta. The original seven-disc set of the complete String Quartets has been digitally remastered for optimal sound and is presented in a deluxe package befitting the nobility of these wonderful performances. Read less
musical milkshakesJune 17, 2014By William S. (Renton, WA)See All My Reviews"Beethoven is a composer of contrasts, of up and down, of tension and its relaxation. That's what's missing from these performances. They move along much too smoothly, with little sense of development. Many movements arrive at pointless ends, without a sense of having been anywhere. The first movement of #16 is a good example. Even if you've never heard the piece, the Talich performance just doesn't sound right -- it ain't Beethoven. Contrast this with the Quartetto Italiano's version. From the first notes, we know this is going to be music of contrasts. Not to mention comic meandering, as it keeps jumping back to the original theme. The sound is excellent -- "up close" in a large reverberant space, superior to either the Quartetto Italiano's or Vegh's (stereo) sound. But that isn't enough. It's impossible to recommend these "not really Beethoven" performances. And the liner notes are unduly pretentious and self-aware."Report Abuse
Another side of BeethovenJune 8, 2013By Jocelyn L. (Drummondville, QC)See All My Reviews"Great music and gorgeous quality of sound like as you are in the studio. Simply a pleasure to listen to. Highly recommended."Report Abuse
Sound qualityMarch 12, 2013By ely Gonick (lancaster, PA)See All My Reviews"I was disappointed in the sound quality. I have other Calliope recordings with the Talich quartet and the sound quality is fabulous."Report Abuse