Negative Positive
Title: A Superb Achievement
Review: The Takacs Quartet resides at Colorado Univ. Boulder where they regularly play to sold-out audiences. I was fortunate enough to hear them once and was absolutely mezmerized by the sheer mastery of these musicians. Edward Dusinbere's lead violin especially left me transfixed by the nuance of his playing.Such artisty is heard on this landmark recording of Beethoven's revolutionary Op. 59/74 quartets which rated a Gramophone "Gem" award along with their sister recording of the late quartets. Behold some of the finest quartet playing on disc - modern or historic. Compositions - 5 stars; Performances - 5 stars; Sound quality - 4.5 stars.Another budget set to consider is Alban Berg Quartet on EMI which I deeply appreciate for its silky tone and highly polished ensemble. EMI's sound is slightly more vivid and full compared to Decca's here, but only in side-by-side comparison. Both are amoung the better modern choices.
Is the review positive or negative? 