Borodin String Qtt 2


By The Borodin String Quartet on EMI Angel (CDC 7 47795 2) recorded originally by MELODIYA in 1980, analog.
I'm impressed by the the very sensitive playing and the recording quality (via Lexicon RT20 through the Spectral DMC20 & DMA180 & reference MIT pc's, ic's & spk cables.) It did not sound anywhere near as good an another decent system without the ac power conditioning. Looking for comments of other listeners of this, what I consider) excellent modern piece and recording.
ptss

Showing 13 responses by ptss

Have I posted this in the wrong area?
Or ?? Is Borodin not that popular?
Or--is it just string quartets...
Thanks Brownsfan for your considerate reply. Chamber music is my favorite, followed by solo instrument and smaller ensembles. I like to be able to hear the interplay. I see it would have been much more appropriate to just talk of the music. Point 'very' well taken. Thanks for mentioning Frogman, Learsfool and Schubert. Now on to Heinrich. Had never heard of this musical giant. I'll be investigating as new tunes are always welcome. I hope his works are on youtube for sampling.
I understand Schubert. Thanks for mentioning the St Petersberg Qt issue on Dorian. I will enjoy comparing versions. By the way Dorian was bought by SONO LUMINUS which is a label started by the founders of Cisco. Now distributed under Naxos. I have always appreciated Naxos economical presentations; many of which I have found excellent in all respects. So, it doesn't surprise me the Naxos was well received.
Tostadosunidos I'm with you... another quartet nut. I find a lot of personality and musicality in quartets that I didn't know the composer had in him from his larger works. Often very delightful intimate glimpses with interesting inventiveness.
Christian I too would never have sought out Borodin but I'm very glad for the exposure and having really enjoyed this piece I will seek out more of his work. Looking him up reveals he is a rather famous member of THE FIVE (composers) also known as THE MIGHTY HANDFUL out of Russia; renowned for promoting a specific type of Russian art music. I find this opens musical avenues to explore. Yes.
Very interesting Tubegroover. I will definitely seek that recording as I am a huge Academy fan; would probably buy most anything they record. It will be interesting to hear the horn contribution. My first listen to the String Qt #2 made me immediately want to listen again; and check out more of Borodin's work. I like your description, beautiful,exotic and mysterious relating also to Rimsky-Korsakov as I also appreciate those aspects of him as well. I've often been amazed how he could infuse his work with such fascinating nuances. Certainly absorbs me totally. Cheers.
Thanks very much Daverz. Wow; only $10 including shipping! A gift. And thanks to you I've learned the Decca Eloquence label from Australia is very well regarded for re-issues. Yay.
Christian, I hope you like it. I'm comparing it with another by the St Petersberg Quartet suggested by Schubert above. We'll have something to discuss.
Brownsfan I still vividly remember listening to a very evocative version of Bach's St Mathews Passion on vinyl(which I still have but haven't looked at since) one Easter in the mid 90's. Suffice to say I was fully absorbed and amazed at Bach's depth ( I was an altar boy and Knight of the Altar as a youth which gave me a deeper appreciation of Bach's effort). It will be interesting to investigate Scutz as I too like moving music.(I use the net & library to sample. I enjoy all types of classical music and enjoy observing it's evolution. I have an interesting box set of medieval and ancient music development.)
Tostadosunidos I've often heard that many composers have done some of their finest work in quartet format. Apparently it is challenging as only 4 instruments allows an easier 'microscopic' view of the intricacy of interplay and nuance. I thoroughly enjoy them.
Great to hear from you Christian. I'm very glad you find the recording quality "surprisingly" good, as that's what I feel. (Somehow didn't expect much out of Russia even though my expectation was not based on any experience. Wonder why?). I'm hoping the piece and playing will please as well. Your famous Dunlavys are probably a big reason you can appreciate and comment on mic placement and depth. I have excellent experienced with NAD and your piece looks like a superior effort. I'm happy to hear the Oppo is providing good sound as I'm seriously thinking about the 105D to complement my Lexicon RT20 (but hoping for an improvement to CD sound with it as well since my RT20 was built in 2005 and haven't had any response to my questions about that.) Happy listening.
Wow, just came across this. . I will follow up on this conversation now. . Heart surgery changed life for a while just after this conversation. Back to musical treasures :)

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