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Product Description
CD Description
When the Quatuor Ebène was signed to Virgin Classics in early 2008. Alain Lanceron, the label's President, said: "The Quatuor Ebène is the embodiment of the modern string quartet. The extraordinary way its members craft their sonority, their re-examination of quartet masterpieces, their readiness to engage with music beyond the traditional repertoire, their innovative and creative approach: all these factors have led us to invite them to add their lustre to Virgin Classics' roster of artists. We welcome them with enthusiasm - the same kind of enthusiasm they bring to everything they do." Formed in France in 1999, the Quatuor Ebène took its name from ebony, the precious and exotic wood used in instrument-making. The award-winning ensemble has since achieved an enviable international reputation for refined, dynamic musicianship, minutely responsive teamwork, an adventurous spirit and even a taste for improvisation. The Quartet's repertoire ranges from Haydn and Mozart, cornerstones of the Classical repertoire, through the 19th and 20th centuries to contemporary composers and jazz. The Quatuor Ebène's debut recording on Virgin Classics brings together the string quartets of the three emblematic French composers of the late 19th and early 20tb centuries: Fauré, Debussy and Ravel. The Debussy and Ravel quartets represent a traditional pairing in the catalogue, but they have rarely been coupled with the Fauré, his final work, composed in his late seventies. As it happens, Ravel dedicated his own quartet to Fauré, who was his teacher.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Eagerly awaited,
By DHL (Newcastle Staffs UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Fauré; Debussy; Ravel - String Quartets (Audio CD)
This has been eagerly awaited after hearing the Ebene perform the Debussy and the Ravel live at this summer's Salzburg Festival. They are a young group of musicians who also appear on the European jazz scene. This brings to their playing a buzz which may be linked to their ability to improvise freely. However, when playing these pieces there is a discipline evident in their interpretation as well. Hear also their interpretation of the first three Barok Quartets and sublime live recordings of Haydn.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful performances but, why the thumping and breathing?,
By G. McBeath "GMcB" (Oxford, UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Fauré; Debussy; Ravel - String Quartets (Audio CD)
Having read the rave reviews, and though possessing a very serviceable White Label/Bartok Quartet version of the Debussy/Ravel/Dvorak quartets, I gave in to the excitement and purchased the Ebene's recording - and the Faure instead of the Dvorak was a nice touch.On first listening, and thereafter, I detected scattered extra-musical 'boomy thumping', though largely in the Ravel & Debussy quartets. In addition there were rather too noticeable (though fortunately, very occasional) sharp intakes of breath (and the Ebenes really are too young for this affectation). However, it is the 'thumping' that worries me. I can hardly believe that it is a pressing fault, but is perhaps the result of over-close miking and poor-ish editing. However, after a time it becomes aurally uncomfortable and thereby interferes markedly with the enjoyment of an otherwise superlative performance/recording.
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another gem from Quatuor Ébène,
By
This review is from: Fauré; Debussy; Ravel - String Quartets (Audio CD)
I agree entirely with DHL's review of this disc. Quatuor Ébène are a fantastic quartet, and their debut disc of Haydn (String Quartets Op. 64 No. 5 'the Lark' (Quatuor Ebene)) remains a firm favourite of mine. This disc is just as good, showing that they have as much empathy with Ravel, Debussy and Fauré as Haydn and their superb technique, faultless intonation and brilliant mutual understanding are well in evidence here.Radio 3's Building A Library reviewer recently chose this recording of the Fauré quartet as the best available, in the face of phenomenal competition form the world's best quartets of the last 80 years, which probably says a lot more than I can about the quality of this disc. It's fabulous and very warmly recommended. (Do try their Haydn disc, too. If you already like Haydn's string quartets it will be a terrific addition to your collection, and if you're looking for a place to start on them you couldn't do better - it's absolutely terrific.) Update - 3rd October 2009: This disc has just won "Recording of the Year" at the 2009 Gramophone Awards - just about the most prestigious award available anywhere. It's a deserved honour for a terrific recording by a very fine quartet. I'm delighted!
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