Derek Han, Isabelle Faust, Bruno Giuranna, Alain Meunier - Brahms: Complete Piano Quartets (2012) CD-Rip

This recording of the Brahms piano quartets is, in a word, adequate. While there's nothing egregiously wrong with the performance, there's also nothing remarkable, either, and performances just like it could easily be heard by any number of talented college ensembles. For starters, the liner notes make absolutely no mention of the performers, and as far as anyone can tell, this is just a random union of four musicians who decided to join up to make a recording. Unfortunately, the performances themselves tend to support this theory. Bow strokes and articulations in the strings frequently do not match and intonation is sometimes approximate. There's also a lack of spaciousness so necessary for the success of Brahms' chamber music; cadences are often rushed through unceremoniously. The Rondo alla Zingarese, Op. 25, while ending with a satisfying flourish, begins somewhat ploddingly and unenthusiastically. Broad hemiolas in slow movements are rushed and inexact rhythmically. Listeners would do well to investigate alternate recordings for a more impassioned rendition of these magnificent works. The Beaux Arts Trio recording is recommended for those preferring modern recordings, or the Rubinstein and Guarneri quartets' recording for those in favor of a brilliant historical recording.