The first volume in the Dover Quartet's cycle of Beethoven string quartets attracted quite a bit of positive attention, and the group has perhaps even outdone itself with this second volume, covering the so-called "Middle Quartets" of Opp. 59, 74, and 95. Simply put, it's stunning. The Dover Quartet offers ensemble work usually achieved only by quartets with much longer periods of association. The performances have the elusive quality of four players moving and breathing as one that is so prized by chamber music enthusiasts ...
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The first volume in the Dover Quartet's cycle of Beethoven string quartets attracted quite a bit of positive attention, and the group has perhaps even outdone itself with this second volume, covering the so-called "Middle Quartets" of Opp. 59, 74, and 95. Simply put, it's stunning. The Dover Quartet offers ensemble work usually achieved only by quartets with much longer periods of association. The performances have the elusive quality of four players moving and breathing as one that is so prized by chamber music enthusiasts. On top of this, the group has rethought these quartets and larger shapes, coming up with completely fresh results. Begin at the beginning with the first movement of the String Quartet No. 7 in F major, Op. 59, No. 1, the first "Razumovsky" quartet. The Dover Quartet pushes the tempo here, maybe beyond what the indication "Allegro" might support, but everything unrolls logically and elegantly from this decision. In the String Quartet No. 9 in C major, Op. 59, No. 3, it's the finale...
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