Other Sellers on Amazon
Added
Not added
Sold by: Gagazet Media
Sold by: Gagazet Media
(1673 ratings)
83% positive over last 12 months
Shipping rates and Return policy 83% positive over last 12 months
Image Unavailable
Image not available for
Color:
Color:
-
-
-
- Sorry, this item is not available in
- Image not available
- To view this video download Flash Player
Beethoven: Complete String Quartets
Collector's Edition
Box Set
Ludwig van Beethoven
(Composer),
Quartetto Italiano
(Performer),
Piero Farulli
(Performer),
Elisa Pegreffi
(Performer),
Paolo Borciani
(Performer)
&
2
more Format: Audio CD
To see product details, add this item to your cart. You can always remove it later.
Save 6% at checkout Shop items
Frequently bought together
This item: Beethoven: Complete String Quartets
$72.04$72.04
Get it Apr 8 - 26
Only 2 left in stock - order soon.
$37.51$37.51
Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Try again!
Added to Cart
One of these items ships sooner than the other.
Choose items to buy together.
Similar items that may ship from close to you
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
- Beethoven: The String QuartetsAlban Berg QuartettAudio CDFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24
- Quartetto Italiano: Prima la musica The Complete Warner RecordingsQuartetto ItalianoAudio CDFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24Only 9 left in stock (more on the way).
- Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra - The Columbia Stereo CollectionEugene OrmandyAudio CDFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24
- The Complete Warner RecordingsAudio CDFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24Only 3 left in stock - order soon.
- Complete RCA Album CollectionBoston Symphony Chamber Players / BrahmsAudio CDFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24Only 16 left in stock (more on the way).
- Beethoven: The Complete Piano SonatasAudio CDFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24
From the brand
Track Listings
Disc: 1
1 | Quartet in F Major, Op.18 No.1: 1. Allegro Con Brio |
2 | Quartet in F Major, Op.18 No.1: 2. Adagio Affettuoso Ed Appassionato |
3 | Quartet in F Major, Op.18 No.1: 3. Scherzo. Allegro Molto |
4 | Quartet in F Major, Op.18 No.1: 4. Allegro |
5 | Quartet in G Major, Op.18 No.2: 1. Allegro |
6 | Quartet in G Major, Op.18 No.2: 2. Adagio Cantabile - Allegro - Tempo I |
7 | Quartet in G Major, Op.18 No.2: 3. Scherzo. Allegro |
8 | Quartet in G Major, Op.18 No.2: 4. Allegro Molto, Quasi Presto |
Disc: 2
1 | Quartet in D Major, Op.18 No.3: 1. Allegro |
2 | Quartet in D Major, Op.18 No.3: 2. Andante Con Moto |
3 | Quartet in D Major, Op.18 No.3: 3. Allegro |
4 | Quartet in D Major, Op.18 No.3: 4. Presto |
5 | Quartet in C minor, Op.18 No.4: 1. Allegro Ma Non Tanto |
6 | Quartet in C minor, Op.18 No.4: 2. Andante Scherzoso, Quasi Allegretto |
7 | Quartet in C minor, Op.18 No.4: 3. Menuetto. Allegretto |
8 | Quartet in C minor, Op.18 No.4: 4. Allegro |
Disc: 3
1 | Quartet in a Major, Op.18 No.5: 1. Allegro |
2 | Quartet in a Major, Op.18 No.5: 2. Menuetto |
3 | Quartet in a Major, Op.18 No.5: 3. Andante Cantabile |
4 | Quartet in a Major, Op.18 No.5: 4. Allegro |
5 | Quartet in B-Flat Major, Op.18 No.6: 1. Allegro Con Brio |
6 | Quartet in B-Flat Major, Op.18 No.6: 2. Adagio Ma Non Troppo |
7 | Quartet in B-Flat Major, Op.18 No.6: 3. Scherzo. Allegro |
8 | Quartet in B-Flat Major, Op.18 No.6: 4. La Malinconia. Adagio - Allegretto Quasi Allegro - Adagio - Allegretto - Poco Adagio - Prestissimo |
Disc: 4
1 | Quartet in F Major, Op.59 No.1: 1. Allegro |
2 | Quartet in F Major, Op.59 No.1: 2. Allegretto Vivace E Sempre Scherzando |
3 | Quartet in F Major, Op.59 No.1: 3. Allegro Molto E Mesto |
4 | Quartet in F Major, Op.59 No.1: 4. Theme Russe. Allegro |
Disc: 5
1 | Quartet in E minor, Op.59 No.2: 1. Allegro |
2 | Quartet in E minor, Op.59 No.2: 2. Molto Adagio |
3 | Quartet in E minor, Op.59 No.2: 3. Allegretto |
4 | Quartet in E minor, Op.59 No.2: 4. Finale. Presto |
5 | Quartet in F minor, Op.95: 1. Allegro Con Brio |
6 | Quartet in F minor, Op.95: 2. Allegretto Ma Non Troppo |
7 | Quartet in F minor, Op.95: 3. Allegro Assai Vivace Ma Serioso |
8 | Quartet in F minor, Op.95: 4. Larghetto Espressivo - Allegretto Agitato |
Disc: 6
1 | Quartet in C Major, Op.59 No.3: 1. Introduzione. Andante Con Moto - Allegro Vivace |
2 | Quartet in C Major, Op.59 No.3: 2. Andante Con Moto Quasi Allegretto |
3 | Quartet in C Major, Op.59 No.3: 3. Menuetto. Grazioso |
4 | Quartet in C Major, Op.59 No.3: 4. Allegro Molto |
5 | Quartet in E-Flat Major, Op.74: 1. Poco Adagio - Allegro |
6 | Quartet in E-Flat Major, Op.74: 2. Adagio Ma Non Troppo |
7 | Quartet in E-Flat Major, Op.74: 3. Presto - Piu Presto Quasi Prestissimo |
8 | Quartet in E-Flat Major, Op.74: 4. Allegretto Con Variazioni |
Disc: 7
1 | Quartet in E-Flat Major, Op.127: 1. Maestoso - Allegro |
2 | Quartet in E-Flat Major, Op.127: 2. Adagio, Ma Non Troppo E Molto Cantabile |
3 | Quartet in E-Flat Major, Op.127: 3. Scherzando Vivace |
4 | Quartet in E-Flat Major, Op.127: 4. Finale |
5 | Quartet in F Major, Op.135: 1. Allegretto |
6 | Quartet in F Major, Op.135: 2. Vivace |
7 | Quartet in F Major, Op.135: 3. Lento Assai, Cantante E Tranquillo |
8 | Quartet in F Major, Op.135: 4. Der Schwer Gefasste Entschluss. Grave - Allegro - Grave Ma Non Troppo Tratto - Allegro |
Disc: 8
1 | Quartet in B Flat Major, Op. 130: 1. Adagio Ma Non Troppo - Allegro - Beethoven |
2 | Quartet in B Flat Major, Op. 130: 2. Presto - Beethoven |
3 | Quartet in B Flat Major, Op. 130: 3. Andante Con Moto Ma Non Troppo. Poco Scherzando - Beethoven |
4 | Quartet in B Flat Major, Op. 130: 4. Alla Danza Tedesca. Allegro Assai - Beethoven |
5 | Quartet in B Flat Major, Op. 130: Cavatina. Adagio Molto Espressivo - Beethoven |
6 | Quartet in B Flat Major, Op. 130: Finale. Allegro - Beethoven |
7 | Quartet in B Flat Major, Op.133: Overtura. Allegro - Meno Mosso E Moderato - Allegro - Fuga - Beethoven |
Disc: 9
1 | Quartet in C Sharp minor, Op.131: 1. Adagio Ma Non Troppo E Molto Espressivo - Beethoven |
2 | Quartet in C Sharp minor, Op.131: 2. Allegro Molto Vivace - Beethoven |
3 | Quartet in C Sharp minor, Op.131: 3. Allegro Moderato - Beethoven |
4 | Quartet in C Sharp minor, Op.131: 4. Andante Ma Non Troppo E Molto Cantabile - Piu Mosso - Andante Moderato E Lusinghiero - Adagio - Allegretto - Adagio, Ma Non Troppo E Semplice - Allegretto - Beethoven |
5 | Quartet in C Sharp minor, Op.131: 5. Presto - Beethoven |
6 | Quartet in C Sharp minor, Op.131: 6. Adagio Quasi Un Poco Andante - Beethoven |
7 | Quartet in C Sharp minor, Op.131: 7. Allegro - Beethoven |
Disc: 10
1 | Quartet in A minor, Op.132: 1. Assai Sostenuto - Allegro |
2 | Quartet in A minor, Op.132: 2. Allegro Ma Non Tanto |
3 | Quartet in A minor, Op.132: 3. Canzona Di Ringraziamento. Molto Adagio - Sentendo Nuova Forza. Andante |
4 | Quartet in A minor, Op.132: 4. Alla Marcia, Assai Vivace - Piu Allegro - Presto |
5 | Quartet in A minor, Op.132: 5. Allegro Appassionato |
Editorial Reviews
This cycle of 15 string quartets performed by the Quartetto Italiano was deemed recently by the editor of Gramophone magazine one of the 100 greatest recordings of all time! 10 CDs-accompanied by a full text on the Beethoven quartets. 7 hrs., 18 min.!
Product details
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- Language : English
- Product Dimensions : 5.2 x 5.08 x 0.67 inches; 10.65 ounces
- Manufacturer : Decca
- Item model number : 028945406220
- Original Release Date : 1997
- SPARS Code : DDD
- Date First Available : October 21, 2006
- Label : Decca
- ASIN : B0000041LL
- Number of discs : 10
- Best Sellers Rank: #32,741 in CDs & Vinyl (See Top 100 in CDs & Vinyl)
- #444 in Chamber Music (CDs & Vinyl)
- Customer Reviews:
Customer reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
139 global ratings
How customer reviews and ratings work
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2018
A superb definitive performance of Beethoven's string quartets by the Italian Quartet. Clean, expressive, nuanced playing with excellent sound for its age. Modern recordings might have brighter sound, but tend to be more idiosyncratic in their attempt to set their recording apart from others, but after repeated listening, I have tired of them and always return to the dependably accurate and expressive interpretations of the Italian Quartet.
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2017
No doubt this is the best Complete String Quartetets version available. Warmth, precision, colour, everything is there. They play all the notes, ofcourse, but they penetrate like anybody else the changing feelings and techniques of Beethoven. Listen to the First Rasumowsky or Opus 131 to see what I mean.
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2013
This integral of the Beethoven string quartets is simply best by best. The interpretation is majestic. The sound very beautiful. All wrapped in a warm and lyrical atmosphere. There are many other great and comprehensive this work. But this is simply a must. The price, quality, very good. The presentation is very good, in the typical cardboard box to a small but accompanying explanatory booklet. If you like Beethoven string quartets, do not hesitate.
Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2013
I have changed my thoughts on Beethoven's string quartets after listening to the interpretations by Quartetto Italiano. They bring out the sweet, subtle, passionate nature of the music as well as the dramatic force. Unlike other performers, these pieces sound as if a single instrument is playing. The beauty reaches right to my heart and brings tears to my eyes.
Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2005
Such complete works as this - spanning the composer's lifetime - make for an excellent study in the composer's musical evolution. Although termed "early" works, Beethoven's first Op. 18 Quartets were composed when he was around thirty, having dozens of brilliant compositions behind him. These first quartets show both the 'restrained' classical forms and mannerisms of Haydn but with notable evolutions like the introduction of deeply emotional and tragic writing (the slow movement of the No. 1 for example).
The "middle period" quartets (op. 59, 74, 95) shows Beethoven at his most "Heroic" style composing broad, sweeping, and increasing complex part writing - so much that the fickle Viennese audiences used to Haydn's and Mozart's classical style were not quite sure what to think of them.
Even more abstract to audiences (outside Beethoven's quartet friends) were the late works (Op. 127, 130-135) which progress to totally new ideas, sounds and organization. These included unusual, frequent and unexpected shifts in dynamics, tempo and key modulations. But most historic was an intangible emotive quality Beethoven introduced to music which might be termed "spirituality." What is most amazing is that these musical revolutions all were developed when in Bethoven's final years lived in a state of sadness, illness, deafness and isolation. Yet, having a lifetime of notes and music in his head, his composing skills were not limited at all by this deafness but perhaps even more focused. With their highly evolutionary form and spiritual nature, the late quartets are in a category of their own and have provoked many an analysis as to their meaning and connection to Beethoven's final years.
The Quartetto Italiano show why they were a legendary quartet in the 60's and 70's with a remarkable performance of great depth here. Complementing them is a vibrant Philips recording in spite of its 60's heritage. The sound is very good but just a little shy of depth and richness as compared to the modern DDD recordings like the new Takacs recordings (but absolutely nothing to deter purchase). Their playing is masterful, dramatic and probing - all while maintaining their characteristic smooth and emotive style that has endeared them for generations. However, in some movements it seems the Italians don't quite find the right flow and essence and sound stagnated compared to others (the e-minor Op. 59 for one).
Other notable quartets for these works include the Takacs, Emerson, Busch, Vegh, Talich, Alban Berg and Lindsay Quartets. All the above are rated 3/3 stars by Penguin Guide, so competion is fierce and it really comes down to what stylistic nuances most appeal to you (Best to pick a set and focus on the intricacies of the music vs. comparing quartet A to B too much). Other reviews below give some insights into the comparitive performance as each brings something different and insightful to the music. My first choices would be the Takacs or Alban Berg.
But, as far as value and quality of performance, this neatly-packaged Philips complete set of 10 CD's is a good historic choice - although the superb Alban Berg set on EMI is a great value too. The Takacs and Lindsay sets are the most expensive. Compositions - 5 stars, Performance - 4 stars, Sound - 4 stars.
The "middle period" quartets (op. 59, 74, 95) shows Beethoven at his most "Heroic" style composing broad, sweeping, and increasing complex part writing - so much that the fickle Viennese audiences used to Haydn's and Mozart's classical style were not quite sure what to think of them.
Even more abstract to audiences (outside Beethoven's quartet friends) were the late works (Op. 127, 130-135) which progress to totally new ideas, sounds and organization. These included unusual, frequent and unexpected shifts in dynamics, tempo and key modulations. But most historic was an intangible emotive quality Beethoven introduced to music which might be termed "spirituality." What is most amazing is that these musical revolutions all were developed when in Bethoven's final years lived in a state of sadness, illness, deafness and isolation. Yet, having a lifetime of notes and music in his head, his composing skills were not limited at all by this deafness but perhaps even more focused. With their highly evolutionary form and spiritual nature, the late quartets are in a category of their own and have provoked many an analysis as to their meaning and connection to Beethoven's final years.
The Quartetto Italiano show why they were a legendary quartet in the 60's and 70's with a remarkable performance of great depth here. Complementing them is a vibrant Philips recording in spite of its 60's heritage. The sound is very good but just a little shy of depth and richness as compared to the modern DDD recordings like the new Takacs recordings (but absolutely nothing to deter purchase). Their playing is masterful, dramatic and probing - all while maintaining their characteristic smooth and emotive style that has endeared them for generations. However, in some movements it seems the Italians don't quite find the right flow and essence and sound stagnated compared to others (the e-minor Op. 59 for one).
Other notable quartets for these works include the Takacs, Emerson, Busch, Vegh, Talich, Alban Berg and Lindsay Quartets. All the above are rated 3/3 stars by Penguin Guide, so competion is fierce and it really comes down to what stylistic nuances most appeal to you (Best to pick a set and focus on the intricacies of the music vs. comparing quartet A to B too much). Other reviews below give some insights into the comparitive performance as each brings something different and insightful to the music. My first choices would be the Takacs or Alban Berg.
But, as far as value and quality of performance, this neatly-packaged Philips complete set of 10 CD's is a good historic choice - although the superb Alban Berg set on EMI is a great value too. The Takacs and Lindsay sets are the most expensive. Compositions - 5 stars, Performance - 4 stars, Sound - 4 stars.
Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2000
I have listened to a number of performances of the Beethoven string quartets over the years, and I believe I can honestly say this one surpasses them all. There's an effortlessness here which belies the ensemble's mastery. It is as though the Quartetto Italiano had been born especially to play these works. There is a serenity here, an inevitability, which gives the listener the deepest kind of pleasure. Highlights are the three Rasumovsky quartets, played with grace, nuance, and quiet power.
Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2017
Very enjoyable sound! Great technical playing.
Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2017
great stuff
Top reviews from other countries
Ucap63
5.0 out of 5 stars
Quartetti per archi, Beethoven
Reviewed in Italy on September 22, 2021
È una delle incisioni di riferimento tra le edizioni integrali dei quartetti per archi di Beethoven. Non c'è molto da aggiungere, da avere assolutamente.
ourskolpa
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beethoven et c'est tout.
Reviewed in France on June 21, 2021
Je dois posséder une petite vingtaine d'intégrales du corpus de quatuors de Beethoven. Il s'agit pour moi tout simplement du sommet de l'art musical occidental. Cette intégrale des Italiano ne vieillit pas, elle est toujours à placer au sommet des interprétations. Vous ne trouverez nulle par ailleurs une telle douceur de son. L'impression que cette formation est là pour vous murmurer et chanter ce que Beethoven a composé de plus complexe. In-dis-pen-sable.
José Luis Díaz Fernández
5.0 out of 5 stars
Una de las grandes versiones de esta obra eterna
Reviewed in Spain on April 11, 2021
A los 16 años oí por primera vez un Razoumovski por el Cuarteto Húngaro y quedé hechizado co estas obras desde entonces. ya en 1977 compré el álbum de Lps del Quartetto Italiano, poco vendido en España, lo encontré en Granada. Los críticos ingleses de The Gramophone y Penguin Book la citaban como mejor versión, muy superior a la que entonces más circulaba por España de los Amadeus, que nunca me gustó, tampoco en vivo cuando los vi en Madrid. Después, ya en cd, he ido disponiendo de casi todas las grandes versiones: Bush, Budapest de varias épocas, Húngaro, Lindsay, Talich, Vegh, Takacs, Endellion, Belcea. Casi todas estas versiones tienen algo que las hacen merecedoras de disfrutar. Esta versión es modélica: estupendo sonido, perfección técnica, cohesión, clasicismo, “centralidad”. Para muchos sería la versión de referencia. Actualmente la que más escuchó es la de los Belcea, muy beethoveniana, contrastada, te obliga a una escucha activa, y también magnífica. La prefiero a Takács. Por supuesto Busch y el mejor Budapest siempre estarán ahí. En vivo disfrute enormemente de la integral de los Lindsay en Madrif hace ya más de veinte años. Esta versión del Italiano mantiene su posición entre las cuatro o cinco de referencia de cada melómano. Para no perder la oportunidad de adquirirla si no se tiene: magnífico precio, calidad artística y sonora para una obra eterna. Totalmente recomendable, aunque se disponga y se deba disponer de otras versiones.
BooksRMe
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the top 3 sets to have
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 14, 2020
If you want a full set of Beethoven string quartets, played very well, by a top class quartet, with good recording quality, appropriate to the music (scholarly), that brings something to the music without infringing on it, and which doesn't leave you cold, then one's options are somewhat narrowed down (thankfully). This set is known for imparting a certain warmth to the music, with a beautiful ensemble sound, but certainly without trivialising the music at all. It is one of 2 sets I have, the other being Artemis Quartet, which is also excellent, thrilling & more sharply executed but less slightly human than this Italiano one. I highly recommend this set. If I purchased another set it would be the Busch or Vegh sets but then you're moving towards more historical recordings with commensurate quality and some hiss.
4 people found this helpful
Report
Walter Krebs
5.0 out of 5 stars
Unbedingt überzeugende Box
Reviewed in Germany on July 21, 2020
Die Box hat mir erst die Ohren für die volle Schönheit der Quartett-Musik von Beethoven geöffnet. Überragende Musiker mit überragender Musik. Auch die Klangqualität der Cds ist sehr gut. Der Kauf ist fast ein "Muß".