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| Debussy, Ravel: Streichquartette | 
 enlarge | Creators: David Finckel, Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, Emerson String Quartet, Lawrence Dutton, Eugene Drucker, Philip Setzer
Label: Deutsche Grammophon
Category: Music
List Price: $9.98
Buy New: $5.92
You Save: $4.06 (41%)
Buy New/Used from $5.20
Avg. Customer Rating:  (8 reviews)
Sales Rank: 54321
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 4.9 x 0.4
MPN: 445509
UPC: 028944550924
EAN: 0028944550924
ASIN: B000001GNA
Release Date: September 19, 1995
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Tracks:
| • | String Quartet In G Minor Op.10: I. Anime et tres decide | | • | String Quartet In G Minor Op.10: II. Assez vif et bien rythme | | • | String Quartet In G Minor Op.10: III. Andantino, doucement expressif | | • | String Quartet In G Minor Op.10: IV. Tres modere - Tres mouvemente et avec passion | | • | String Quartet In F Major: I. Allegro moderato | | • | String Quartet In F Major: II. Assez vif - Tres rythme | | • | String Quartet In F Major: III. Tres lent | | • | String Quartet In F Major: IV. Vif et agite |
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| Customer Reviews: Read 3 more reviews...
simply AMAZING music. December 31, 2005
3 out of 5 found this review helpful
i have less to say about the emerson string quartet's performance in comparison to others, but rather i'm writing to say that these two string quartets are some of the most amazing, sublime pieces of music i've ever heard. any classical music aficionado, esp. of the music of the 19th and 20th centuries, would love them, and i highly recommend them. i discovered them first through a friend, and then bought the album when, having started out on a long car drive i realized i had no CDs to accompany me. i was practically crying driving down the highway, the first movement of the debussy is so moving! (oops. i didn't mean to pun.) it is definitely cathartic music, as an earlier reviewer said. and virtuosic, brilliant, refined, elegant, emotional and intellectual at the same time, full of wit and shimmering beauty. sigh.
ok i'm going to add just one comment of comparison. the version my friend had of this is by the juilliard quartet, and at the beginning of the debussy's first movement debussy their playing is a bit less soft, a bit more incisive. that's the one thing i like wish was different about the emerson's playing. everywhere else, i think their lushness is justified and successful.
great bargain October 7, 2005
4 out of 5 found this review helpful
This excellent version of these two impressionist masterpieces is one of the best bargains you can find. The Emersons do a great job with these pieces and the sonics are superb.
this is THE one! March 21, 2005
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
These two glorious works of French chamber music, both from early on in their composer's careers are made to go together. The sometimes gruff and gnarly Debussy Quartet is a perfect foil to the serenity and Gallic elegance of the Ravel.
I never thought I would hear a recording that would replace the Philips performance of the Quartetto Italiano in my affections, but this one by the Emerson Quartet is it. Splendidly played, beautifully recorded, it is just about beyond reproach. Definitely recommended for anyone who loves great quartet playing, French music, or just music of beauty and substance.
The Cream of a Very Good Crop ! November 16, 2002
41 out of 45 found this review helpful
For me, these readings by the Emerson Quartet constitute one of the finest available couplings of these two staples of the string quartet repertoire. Listening to other highly touted versions by the Julliard, Guarneri, Tokyo, Cleveland and Kodaly Quartets, I feel the Guarneri (on the Surroundedby Entertainment 1004 label) seems to enjoy the richest and best recorded sound, and I would place their characterful interpretation in the second spot among these other ensembles. The Cleveland is not among the best recorded. At times the strings sound relatively thin; moreover, I consider their view of these two very personal works to be a little superficial in comparison with the others. The Kodaly on Naxos gives a good interpretation but is somewhat outclassed here. Both the Julliard and Tokyo Quartets provide finely crafted versions, however I'm not particularly enamored with the manner in which they render certain phrases. Obviously, since we're dealing strongly with matters of taste, others might respond differently. Notwithstanding, the Emerson Quartet's performances not only display a superb level of technical execution but also paint a marvelous canvas of vivid tonal colors, poignant inflections and stylistic dynamics. There's also a sense of freedom and spontaneity here the other groups don't match. The overall effect is cathartic. For another outstanding combo of these two pieces, try the Keller Quartet on the Apex label. I would not be surprised if you considered its performances to be even more musical than the Emerson's.
Monuments of French Chamber Music January 16, 2002
12 out of 17 found this review helpful
The string quartet is a wonderful medium; the tone is warm, vibrant, and capable of rich variety.The history of music owes Beethoven, Bartok and Shostakovich a lasting debt, for the dramatic heights to which they took the string quartet. But I like the Mozart quartets, too, and these are often light, easy. I think there is room for light and easy on the heights, too. Enter Debussy and Ravel. Their respective quartets are not so intense and "purposeful" as those of Bartok and Shostakovich; yet the sound of the pieces is no less rich. So, not quite so light-hearted as the early Mozart quartets, either; yet, they often dance in a welcome playfulness, which recalls that quality, which has sometimes been lost in the centuries since Mozart. This is an inexpensive disc, of a fine ensemble, playing lovely, turn-of-the-last-century, French chamber music. What are you waiting for?
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