Re: Beethoven's string quartets

Charles Riggs wrote:
>
> I've been listening to a recording of the string quartets I bought
> after GS-16 Bob so heartily recommended them. So far, I've heard
> nothing in the slightest bit impressive. In fact, I get the impression
> Beethoven was just diddling around in some off-moments rather than
> making a serious attempt to write beautiful music, as was certainly
> within him. Should it continue along this vein, I'll sail all eight
> of the CDs. Perhaps, with practice, I'll be able to hit Jurys Hotel
> from my living room window.

Others have already responded, Charles, but I'd like to add a comment
or three. I do think you have to give the quartets a bit more of a
chance. I'm not sure that backing off and working up to them again,
whether through other Beethoven or other chamber music, is the way to
go. I'd suggest working directly on the quartets themselves, starting
with the six of Opus 18, playing one or two at intervals of two or
three days, and seeing if you start to warm to them. If so-- or even
if not -- you can work your way into the later ones. There's no
single path to the truth.

We all have our blind spots. Truly Donovan is notorious for disliking
Mozart, and I find most of Liszt overblown and boring. If you give
the Beethoven Quartets a fair chance and still don't like them --
well, it is, ultimately, a matter of your taste. I urge you to give
them a fair shot. After that -- well, that's up to you. If you
haven't changed your opinion, I'd suggest donating them to some
library or giving them to a friend likely to like them. They make
lousy frisbees.

But don't abandon ship just yet.

--
Bob Lieblich
Chacun and all that
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Beethovens string quartets
    ... >> I've been listening to a recording of the string quartets I bought ... Italian operas, oratorios, masses, chamber music, ... but what I'm listening to now is solid music ... Charles Riggs ...
    (alt.usage.english)
  • Re: Another Letter To Sis
    ... >It's very hard to recommend just one, ... >is the set of all the quartets by the Berg Quartet, ... Thanks, Bob, but I don't do used. ... Charles Riggs ...
    (alt.usage.english)