Mozart: The Late 10 String Quartets [Box Set]

• Main performer: Vienna String Quartet
• Booklet languages: Japanese, English
• Time: 276:11
• Release Date: 2002

Review

In every way that matters, these recordings of Mozart's last ten string quartets by the Vienna String Quartet cannot be bettered. For one thing, the Vienna String Quartet consists entirely of the principals of the string section of the Vienna Philharmonic. For another thing, they were born in Vienna, studied in Vienna, and live in Vienna. Taken together, this means that the Vienna String Quartet -- with its effortless technique, faultless intonation, flawless ensemble, and especially its warm, singing tone -- is as about echt Viennese as is imaginable. And this means that they are particularly suited to the music of Mozart, the most echt Viennese composer who ever lived. In these recordings, made between 1975 and 1990, the Vienna String Quartet plays Mozart's instrumental quartets as if they were vocal quartets from Così fan tutte, that is, with consummate skill, ideal expression, and profound humanity. No matter what the date, Camerata's sound is clear, warm, and open. If you're looking for a great set of the last 10 string quartets of Mozart, look no further. ~ James Leonard, All Music Guide

Performances

Composer	Title	Time
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart	String Quartet No. 14 in G major ("Spring"), K. 387	28:55
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart	String Quartet No. 15 in D minor, K. 421 (K. 417b)	26:36
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart	String Quartet No. 16 in E flat, K. 428 (K. 421b)	27:55
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart	String Quartet No. 17 in B flat major ("Hunt"), K. 458	25:40
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart	String Quartet No. 18 in A major, K. 464	32:03
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart	String Quartet No. 19 in C major ("Dissonant"), K. 465	30:24
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart	String Quartet No. 20 in D major ("Hoffmeister"), K. 499	28:52
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart	String Quartet No. 21 in D major ("Prussian 1"), K. 575	24:24
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart	String Quartet No. 22 in B flat major ("Prussian 2"), K. 589	23:37
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart	String Quartet No. 23 in F major ("Prussian 3"), K. 590	27:45