Beethoven: Complete String Quartets Op.18 [Box set]

A fantastic new reading of these oh-so-familiar pieces. It is wonderful to have so many new recordings by the historically great Fine Arts Quartet...This one sports the usual Fine Arts virtues: classical elegance, muscular rhythmic prowess, and sober, realistically projected stylistic congruence...What you will find is sumptuous sound in a superb recorded setting that displays these six magnificent works in about as fine a recording as you are likely to hear. Couple the sound with real inspiration and a studied presentation of these pieces, and this is likely to take first place among almost any collection.

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Mozart: String Quintets 1 - 6 [Box set]

Here are brand new recordings in the best possible sound on SACD. In fact, the sound is thrilling - warm and airy, yet detailed - and makes you appreciate the playing all the more...[The Fine Arts Quartet's interpretations] are more dramatic, more colorful, more emphatic than the Grumiaux's...There is a lot of warmth and beautiful tone as well. In fact, they make K.614 more beautiful than I have ever heard it.

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Mozart String Quintets K.515 & 516

Seldom have artists offered performances of such quality and consistency in a multiple issue. The Mozart Quintets and Debussy/Ravel pairing are as good as any in the catalogue...K515 and K516 are splendid readings, alert, elegantly played, volatile but not rushed...The playing...is elegant...This is a disc I much enjoy on repeated listening and recommend highly.

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