Quartetto Italiano - Debussy / Ravel - String Quartets (2000)

This venerable recording by the Italian Quartet from 1965 was, for many years, the standard reference copy of both works either individually or as a coupling. One of the considerable virtues of this group of players was that they could always be relied upon to play in tune and to play with musicianship. The competition was not so strong as it is today as many of the alternative groups simply could not deliver accuracy in tuning (or even worse, the notes). This was rarely commented upon in review magazines at the time, a source of complete bemusement for me, but as one who was expected to play in tune I found listening to string chamber music almost beyond bearing for much of the time - except for this group.

Nowadays such matters are largely a thing of the past as technical standards have rocketed. This may be the result of shortage of orchestral places forcing fine players to seek other means of employment. It may just be that many young players find chamber music more suitable to their circumstances or taste. Whatever the reason, the standards are much higher these days and the Italian Quartet seems to have disappeared as a collectable, or respected ensemble.

However, this record, listed as one of the best 100 by the recording company, still deserves to be heard and considered as a purchase. The playing is exemplary, the recording is excellent and the musicianship of these highly experienced players is still of the highest quality.

Even with so many really fine alternative modern recordings of these two works I would still suggest that this classic recording deserves listening to. As such it remains in my collection surrounded by several alternatives on both CD and DVD and still earns its place through sheer musicianship. I would suggest that this disc is still worth purchasing therefore even in these more competitive times.