Drama and Poetry

'... as good as it gets.'

These two of Schubert's final numbered quartets -- D 804 and D 810 -- are found together on a single disc from the following ensembles/labels: the Tokyo (RCA), Takacs (Hyperion), Alban Berg (EMI), Endellion (Warner), Melos (harmonia mundi), Brandis (Nimbus) and New Hungarian (Membran Records, Niederrohrdorf Switzerland ).

This Wihan / Nimbus Alliance release, recorded in June 2011 in the Czech Republic, is currently the most recent modern alternative, appearing on the scene at the same time (2012) as Regis' reissued Schubert selection including Quartets Nos 14 (1936) and 15 (1938) with the legendary Busch Quartet (three discs).

'Death and the Maiden', D 810, with the Borodin Quartet (Teldec) and the Hollywood Quartet (Testament) are coupled differently and Richter features in the Borodins' programme.

Undoutedly anyone seeking a satisfying record of the late quartets is spoilt for choice...