| Review by krisjan June 27, 2008 (5 of 5 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics (S): |
I continue to be amazed by this quartet series from the Mandelrings and Audite. This latest release, Vol. 3, continues their excellence in interpretation and sonic virtues. On the performances, the ensemble of this group is so tight it's as if they are playing as one. In contrast to the Emereson's highly regarded series where they exhibit similar tight ensemble, the Mandelrings sound more human to me. Both groups are "emotional" in their playing but this new release also has a sweetness to it that enlivens these works for me. When I hear the Emerson's play Shostakovich, I admire their playing and the works themselves. When I hear the Manderlings play, I actually love what I hear and the masterpiece status of many of these works becomes apparent to me. These are not slash and burn interpretations (which the Enerson's can be at times) but instead they are organic and deep.
The sound is also right near the very top for quartet recordings. They are not over reverberant (as many chamber recordings can be) but sound close and intimate. The dynamic range is wide and the instruments sound very natural in timbre. One of the best chamber recordings I have.
Volume 4 is expected to be released in 2009. Can't wait. This new release is highly recommended as are its companion volumes.
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