I'm behind on scanning and photographing jacket covers and making CD inserts, so I am posting the link to the main Op. 20 folder without anything except the music files, in order to make the performances available without accessory material.
The post will be revised, and all the other goodies included at some point, including a consideration of where Op. 20 stands in Haydn's output. In the meantime, download and enjoy the music and these great performances:
http://vinylfatigue.blogspot.com/2011/03/haydnschneider-quartet-links-removed.html
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A beautiful day in Boston, sitting here in my front porch listening to op. 20, no.2 after basking in the beauty of no. 1. Phrasing Lawrence, its the phrasing that sets this apart from the clinical renderings of today's artists. Thanks much!!!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful day in Boston in early March??!! Just kidding. I lived in Boston my first 40 years, but moved to New Mexico 18 years ago to escape long, New England winters which, seriously now, depressed me. These Schneider Quartet Haydn recordings are part of my musical soul; when I have run across the occasional comment that they have been superceded, I simply am baffled. An updated performance editon does not good performances make. Nor does newer recording technology. These performances are at the very pinnacle of Haydn recordings and exhibit the highest musical intelligence.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for these - for all the Haydns as well as the Louis Kaufman things. Just wonderful. Recently I came across a Verklarte Nacht led by Arthur Winograd somewhere, (sorry I can't be specific) and I'm wondering if you might know of him and have anything by him you might post. My parents had a few MGM records with him conducting, and they helped make me a cellist. I've always wondered if I'd like them now. Anyway, thanks again. I'm recommending you to my facebook friends now.
ReplyDeleteI do indeed know of Arthur Winograd. Except for his appearance as cellist in the first Juillard Quartet recording of the Bartok Quartets (of which I do not have the first two) I can't recall offhand what is in my collection, but I'll keep an eye out. He seems unjustly neglected. I was thinking of posting the Bartok, but the complete set is apparently available on Pearl.
ReplyDeleteOH! and thanks for the facebook recommendation!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. How did you know? I looked for you unsuccessfully. If you're there, friend me, please.
ReplyDeleteI "knew", I guess, because I assumed that all the anonymous posts here were by the same anonymous person, one of whom said he (she) was recommending the blog to friends on facebook.
ReplyDeleteI do have a facebook page, mostly because my niece's son invited me, but I rarely visit and find using it a somewhat trying experience. It must be my age.
Lawrence, the op. 20 no. FLAC is corrupt --- 4th movement will not unpack. Can you re-up? Thanks, TWS
ReplyDeleteTWS: Thanks for letting me know this. Would you please provide the quartet number, so I can take care of it? Thanks
ReplyDeleteMy apologies, Lawrence for imprecise writing. It's op. 20 no. 2 -- track 8 is corrupt. TWS
ReplyDeleteTWS: The FLAC folder for OP. 20, No. 2 has been reposted. I downloaded the re-upped file and extracted it fine, so things should be OK. Let me know, though, if there is something amiss.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, the files all downloaded without a glitch --- now I need to find a moment to savor all this fine Haydn. TWS
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this excellent performance of one of Haydn's greatest quartet cycles.
ReplyDeleteI feel that the manner of the Schneider quartet fits best to the music of Haydn's Op. 20. This is intense, dramatic and innovative music, looking ahead of its time. The Schneiders play with a somber tone and offer expressionistic readings (in the 20/5 probably on the brink). I especially enjoyed their Op. 20/6 and 20/4, with an utmost beautiful Adagio e affettuoso.
I also have and value Haydn Op. 20 with the Hagen quartet and the Konzerthaus Quartet Wien, but this performance is now my favourite.
I revere the Konzerthaus Quartet but am not as familiar with the Hagen. Another recording of the Op. 20 that I'm fond of is the Juilliard recording from the stereo LP era -- with Robert Mann and Claus Adam at 1st violin and cello respectively.
ReplyDeleteGood morning Mr Austin,
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for these splendid transfers. I've only just come across your blog, but I'm sure to be here for quite some time.
Unfortunately, it looks like MediaFire lost the file FLAC Op. 20 No. 6.zip -- I haven't been able to download it after a couple of days trying. Are you able to re-upload it?
Many thanks!
Chris Ryal
Fukuoka, Japan
Hello again,
ReplyDeleteThis is a follow-up to my previous comment: it looks like the Op. 20 No. 6 problem was a temporary glitch -- or has been fixed (many thanks if the latter!). I was able to download it a couple of days ago, and it worked again when I checked it a moment ago.
All this week I've been comparing these Schneider Quartet recordings with the Quatuor Festetics version on period instruments. Naturally the performances and recordings are worlds apart, but the Schneider set stands up impressively. Your digitisation is also very well done. Thanks again!