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Discussion: Beethoven: The String Quartets - Prazak Quartet

Posts: 17
Page: 1 2 next

Post by Ken_P September 29, 2005 (1 of 17)
I'm thrilled to see that Praga is re-releasing this set on SACD. I have the three volumes that were originally SACD, and the Op. 59 quartets on RBCD. The performances are all top notch, and the sonics range from pretty good (even the older RBCDs) to outstanding (Op. 130). I don't know how much of a benefit the older recordings will get from the DSD transfer, but given the quality of the performance, this is a set worth getting!

Post by nickc September 29, 2005 (2 of 17)
Ken_P said:

I'm thrilled to see that Praga is re-releasing this set on SACD. I have the three volumes that were originally SACD, and the Op. 59 quartets on RBCD. The performances are all top notch, and the sonics range from pretty good (even the older RBCDs) to outstanding (Op. 130). I don't know how much of a benefit the older recordings will get from the DSD transfer, but given the quality of the performance, this is a set worth getting!

I agree Ken I'm excited about this!
I think some of the Opus 18 quartets were released in stereo - I take it the whole set has been remastered for surround - or maybe (hopefully) they were originally recorded in surround?
Cheers
Nick

Post by zeus September 29, 2005 (3 of 17)
nickc said:

I think some of the Opus 18 quartets were released in stereo - I take it the whole set has been remastered for surround - or maybe (hopefully) they were originally recorded in surround?

If I understand Pierre from Praga Digitals correctly, this set has been reworked by Polyhymnia. Four of the discs originate from multichannel DSD sources, including the Op. 18 disc which was previously issued in stereo only.

Post by ramesh September 29, 2005 (4 of 17)
I vaguely remember seeing Prazak Beethoven SQ CDs about 15 years ago, on one of those semi-dodgy Italian labels, Nuovo Era, I think. Could even have been a complete cycle, which makes this number two.
Anyone know anything about this, or if it was reviewed somewhere?

Can Pentaman tell us when PentaTone might be issuing their Quartetto Italiano Beeethoven?

Post by csuzor September 29, 2005 (5 of 17)
I guess this is inevitable: they release the disks one at a time, test consumer interest at each release, and then release the complete set again... Unfortunately, the sum of the whole is less than the sum of the individuals, and to make it even more attractive, it includes disks not released individually on SACD...

So some of us will end up buying duplicates to get the entire set.

I like the performance and the sound, but I wish they had used the center channel more effectively, rather then being too shy with it. The mch mix doesnt add much to the stereo track. Perhaps this new mix will do better?

Post by nickc September 30, 2005 (6 of 17)
zeus said:

If I understand Pierre from Praga Digitals correctly, this set has been reworked by Polyhymnia. Four of the discs originate from multichannel DSD sources, including the Op. 18 disc which was previously issued in stereo only.

Thanks Zeus
this is number 1 on my list!
Funnily Praga seems to be almost the only label releasing chamber music.
Cheers
Nick

Post by Polly Nomial February 12, 2006 (7 of 17)
nickc said:

I agree Ken I'm excited about this!
I think some of the Opus 18 quartets were released in stereo - I take it the whole set has been remastered for surround - or maybe (hopefully) they were originally recorded in surround?
Cheers
Nick

I have just got this set, and the following quartets are stereo-only:
Op.18/2, 3, 6 (2, 3 & 6)
Op.59/1, 2 (7 & 8)
Op.127 (12)
Op.131 (14)
Op.132 (15)
Op.135 (16)

The remaining quartets are in MCH as well as stereo:
Op.18/1, 4, 5 (1, 4 & 5)
Op.59/3 (9)
Op.74 (10)
Op.95 (11)
Op.130 (12)
Op.133 "Grosse Fuge"

The sampling so far suggests that (for stereo-only listeners) this could well match the Takacs' recent cycle in terms of musicality. For a MCH cycle, it looks like the Tokyo Quartet will be taking an unopposed 1st place, when it is completed.

Regards

PN

Post by nickc February 12, 2006 (8 of 17)
Polly Nomial said:

I have just got this set, and the following quartets are stereo-only:
Op.18/2, 3, 6 (2, 3 & 6)
Op.59/1, 2 (7 & 8)
Op.127 (12)
Op.131 (14)
Op.132 (15)
Op.135 (16)

The remaining quartets are in MCH as well as stereo:
Op.18/1, 4, 5 (1, 4 & 5)
Op.59/3 (9)
Op.74 (10)
Op.95 (11)
Op.130 (12)
Op.133 "Grosse Fuge"

The sampling so far suggests that (for stereo-only listeners) this could well match the Takacs' recent cycle in terms of musicality. For a MCH cycle, it looks like the Tokyo Quartet will be taking an unopposed 1st place, when it is completed.

Regards

PN

Hi Polly Nomial
thanks for that. I wish they had at least remixed all of the stereo performances for surround - I'm still considering this but the chances have dropped considerably!
Cheers
Nick

Post by Johnno February 12, 2006 (9 of 17)
The February "Gramophone" reviewed this set in its entirety and the reviewer, Nalen Anthoni, blew both hot and cold about it -- and left one totally in the dark as to whether it was worth considering. As I already have numerous complete sets of the quartets, it would have to be really special for me to consider it. I'm particulary concerned that the opening fugue from opus 131 draws criticism, as this is surely some of the greatest music ever composed.

Post by seth February 12, 2006 (10 of 17)
Polly Nomial said:

For a MCH cycle, it looks like the Tokyo Quartet will be taking an unopposed 1st place, when it is completed.

Regards

PN

Wait, so Tokyo is going to record a new complete cycle?

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