BEETHOVEN
String Quartet No. 13 in B flat major, Op. 130
Grosse Fuge, Op. 133
String Quartet No. 15 in A minor, Op. 132
Fitzwilliam String Quartet
Christopher Rowland, violin I
Jonathan Sparey, violin II
Alan George, viola
Ioan Davies, cello
Recording Producer: Peter Wadland
Balance Engineer: John Pellowe
Recording Location: Kingsway Hall, London, UK, December 1982 (Op. 132), December 1983 (Op. 130, Grosse Fuge)
‘This thoughtful performance has much to recommend it. In the dominating slow movement the players risk a slower tempo than any other ensemble known to me […] and this is symptomatic of the committed intensity with which they play this extraordinary music.’ (Op. 132) Gramophone
I much like the ardour and intelligence that the Fitzwilliam bring to all they do. … this ensemble can hold their own alongside most competition, for they are without question one of the finest ensembles this country has produced in recent years. Impressive too, is the Decca recording, which is as well balanced as any of the current rivals. I was struck right from the very opening by their unerringly right choice of tempos [in Op. 130]. … This is indeed a thoughtful reading, obviously the product of much care and feeling. … Their account of the Grosse Fuge, is powerful and muscular … There is a marvellously combative feeling here.’ (Op. 130, Grosse Fuge) Gramophone