While I have not heard the Lindsays’ earlier ASV recording of Beethoven’s Op. 130 string quartet, at the very least I would hope that it’s better than this generally disappointing remake. First violinist Peter Cropper’s scrappy tone and poor intonation above the staff renders the Scherzo a trial to endure, while the foursome wages an uphill, heavy-handed struggle with the Grosse Fugue’s prodigious demands. Turn to the Alban Berg, Talich, or Vegh Quartets instead in order to hear how the movement’s unrelenting intensity can be projected with more varied articulation, voicing, and even beauty of tone. Two different recordings of the Cavatina are offered, respectively followed by the original Grosse Fuge and later, alternative Allegro, so that you can program the disc according to your preferred finale. I find that Beethoven’s second thoughts provide a more concise and balanced conclusion to the five preceding movements.
Concise and balanced, however, are hardly the words to describe the Lindsays’ lack of finesse here. Both performances of the Cavatina feature uncomfortable-sounding portamentos (a little less so in the first take) and a rudderless, static quality that obscures the overall shape and quiet flow of Beethoven’s long, sustained lines. Don’t get me wrong: the Lindsays do nothing that’s not conscientious, but you can say the same for the Kodaly or Alexander Quartet’s superior (and budget priced!) renditions. Not only that, you can pick up the great stereo Budapest Quartet version on Sony Essentials or the Alban Berg Quartet’s staggeringly well-played EMI Red Line reissue for less than the cost of a hi-tech burrito. Given the competition, I’d approach this release with extreme caution before not buying it.
