Schubert: Complete string quartets

[visualnickmos]

I'd just like to ask whether any of you may be able to offer any advice or guidance on a possible future purchase of the above. I see there is a Hannsler Classics set by the Verdi Quartet which seems well-reviewed, but I'd appreciate some more expert input regarding other contenders, if at all possible. Naxos, for exapmle....etc.

Thank you in advance for any 'pointers'. I'm just beginning to listen to, and appreciate Schubert, hence my ignorance about available "good" versions! I have just one or two of the SQs; varied performances, Lindsays, Hagen, namely.... Also some of his Piano sonatas with Brendel and Richter, and some piano music for 4 hands. So my journey has sort of commenced.

Nick

[Roehre]

The very first complete cycle ever recorded was on DGG by the Melos Quartett (1970s).
To the present day I think this is a very recommendable set, if you are after all of the quartets.

[EdgeleyRob]

The very first complete cycle ever recorded was on DGG by the Melos Quartett (1970s).
To the present day I think this is a very recommendable set, if you are after all of the quartets.

I have this set and it is excellent

[ostuni]

The 4-cd box set by the Lindsays on Sanctuary Classics is a remarkable bargain. It doesn't contain the earlier quartets (but I personally find these a lot less interesting than, say, Beethoven's op 18), but has all the late, great ones plus a wonderfully spacious account of the C major quintet. HMV have it at £8.99, which makes it a no-brainer, as our transatlantic cousins put it...

[gurnemanz]

I went for the Leipzig set which is marvellous. The 9 disc box is great value.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Schubert-Com...3774597&sr=1-1

Individually they are full price:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Schubert-Str...3775092&sr=1-8

[kernelbogey]

I continue to listen with great pleasure to the complete recordings by the Amadeus Quartet, perhaps not to everyone's taste these days, but to me wonderful. That box set seems not to be available now in that form, but there is an Amadeus box set with a lot of Haydn quartets and some Schubert which looks good value at c£14 on Presto. If you don't know Schubert's string quintet, be sure to get hold of it - one of the most sublime of all chamber works. Best wishes with your exploration. kb

[Mark Sealey]

Agreed; it's the one to buy.

I went for the Leipzig set which is marvellous.…

[aeolium]

I would not wish to be without the Philips 2-CD set of the Quartetto Italiano's recordings of Schubert's late quartets. These are wonderful performances and contain all of the Schubert quartet works I want to hear - I'm not that keen on the earlier ones.

[amateur51]

Agreed; it's the one to buy.

Very informative review, Mark - many thanks

Can I put in a word for all the Busch quartet's Schubert recordings? - very old 78 sound but they come up well with judicious modern care and allow you to hear the style of playing from a bye-gone age, a scoop here, some deliciouus vibrato and rubato there. They are strictly a supplement to or perhaps an enticer into the modern recordings of the masterworks but essential listening, I'd suggest. Then you have the best of all worlds

[aeolium]

And also as a historical choice the excellent Hollywood quartet, who recorded some of the late quartets and the string quintet (with Kurt Reher).