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Hindemith: String Quartets Nos. 2/ 3 [Naxos: 8.572163] [CD]

The Amar Quartet Audio CD

Price: £7.00 & this item Delivered FREE in the UK with Super Saver Delivery. See details and conditions
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Frequently Bought Together

Hindemith: String Quartets Nos. 2/ 3 [Naxos: 8.572163] + Hindemith: String Quartets Vol. 2 (Quartets Nos. 5/ 6/ 7) (Amar Quartet) (Naxos: 8572164)
Price For Both: £13.03

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Listen to Samples and Buy MP3s

Songs from this album are available to purchase as MP3s. Click on "Buy MP3" or view the MP3 Album.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Samples
Song Title Time Price
Listen  1. String Quartet No. 2 in F minor, Op. 10: I. Sehr lebhaft, straff im Rhythmus 6:13£0.69  Buy MP3 
Listen  2. String Quartet No. 2 in F minor, Op. 10: II. Thema mit Variationen: Gemachlich10:29Album Only
Listen  3. String Quartet No. 2 in F minor, Op. 10: III. Finale: Sehr lebhaft16:22Album Only
Listen  4. String Quartet No. 3 in C major, Op. 16: I. Lebhaft und sehr energisch10:15Album Only
Listen  5. String Quartet No. 3 in C major, Op. 16: II. Sehr langsam - Ausserst ruhige Viertel13:03Album Only
Listen  6. String Quartet No. 3 in C major, Op. 16: III. Finale: Ausserst lebhaft 7:43£0.69  Buy MP3 


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Review

As the Amar Quartet s performance shows, the Third should be a regular part of the 20th-century quartet repertory. --The Guardian ****

These inventive pieces are brought stunningly to life by the young Amar Quartet --BBC Music Magazine *****

Product Description

Amar Quartet

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Amazon.com: 5.0 out of 5 stars  1 review
5.0 out of 5 stars A worthy cycle in the offing 9 May 2013
By J. Genzlinger - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
The string quartets of Paul Hindemith are under-represented in the concert hall and on recording, despite being composed with chamber-conscious textures equally refined as those of Haydn or Beethoven, and of elevated musical substance. Hindemith was a quartet player and (contrary to many celebrated quartet composers of the 20th century) knew the medium from the inside. He mastered the requisite refined and subtle textures characteristic of chamber music; indeed he may have been our last great quartet composer.

The Amar Quartet has begun a new cycle which should stretch over three CDs. Volume 1 contains two of Hindemith's best quartets, Op. 10 and 16. The F minor (Op. 10) benefits from moderate tempos for the first and third movements, especially effective in the Finale, which allows for a wonderful contrast when the Amar finally let loose in the coda. The effect of a movement, which desperately wants to explode, being held back until the end is immensely gratifying. In the central Variations movement, the Amar aptly juxtapose the radically different guises (in rhythm, tempo, even the nature of sound production) of the theme. They provide lucid textures, varying vibrato production and display a carefully modulated blend. Hindemith's often awkward phrasing is adeptly handled, and the marvelously Romantic subsidiary themes of the first and last movements are appropriately sumptuous (read: gorgeous!). Of special note are the fugal passages - the beginning of the first movement's development section follows Hindemth's instruction to be "completely listlessly, numb" to an uncanny effect (very Haydnish), and the finale's wonderful slow section fugato brings to mind the opening fugue of Beethoven's Op. 131. In both polyphonic passages, the intrinsic quartet texture is retained and sensitively realized by the Amar. This is mouth-watering stuff if you love quartets.

Op. 16 is a quartet of intensity and drive, and of almost overwhelmingly searing sound, often high in the instruments' registers. The interaction of the musical material among the players is stunning, and repeat listenings reveal endless felicities. Though the ensemble's blend is spot on, one cannot help but single out the heavenly tone of Peter Somodari's cello in this performance, which sings. Even though one might regard this work as more avant garde than Op. 10, it is traditional in its phrasing and thematic structures, rhythm, and conversational style; however, in its harmonic language it is pure Hindemith, pure 20th century. I have never heard it performed better.

Competition isn't exactly stiff for this rep - a complete set by the Danish is well performed (if a bit uneven) but the recording quality is unimpressive; another by the Kocian is middling. One-offs by the Sonare and Julliard are enjoyable but leave room for improvement. There are several others of Hindemith's quartets included on CDs matched with other composer's works which have received lukewarm reviews. Thus a new complete set (assuming this high standard is maintained throughout) is most welcome. I can't wait to hear their Op. 22, perhaps my favorite of his seven works.

The program notes are excellent and thorough, and the sound is spectacular - clear, present and with just the right amount of chamber-like presence. This is a most auspicious beginning. Urgently recommended.
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