Search - Borodin Quartet - Concert Master-Class on DVD

Shostakovich, Beethoven

Walter G. Trice | Worcester, MA USA | 10/25/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Disk 1: Shostakovich Quartet #2, Beethoven Op. 59, #2
Disk 2: Shost. #8, B. Op. 18 #4

The Borodin Quartet are best known as exponents of the Shostakovich string quartets, and their leader, cellist Valentin Berlinsky, knew and played for the composer. Disk 1 contains a Russian concert performance, documentary style (opens with audience entering the hall, stays with performers in the "Green Room" before the concert and during intermission). On Disk 2 Berlinsky gives a master class for a younger colleague quartet, the "Dominant". Enlightening discussion of performance nuances for the Beethoven (and you get to hear the before and after); then for the Shostakovich, tacitly re-enacting an occasion on which the Borodin played #8 for the composer, he lets them play through without interruption.

The set's many extras include Berlinsky's reminiscences of his life in the USSR and encounters with Shostakovich and other Soviet artists, and a performance of the last movement of the DSCH Piano Quintet with Sviatoslav Richter.

By far the best presentation I have seen yet of classical music on DVD."

Instructive and Enjoyable Too

BLee | HK | 09/30/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"
We already have a most succinct review here.

So just let me add that this DVD offers us a glimse on how masterclasses for chamber music are conducted in Russia-- at least those masterclasses by Berlinsky. Indeed, as pointed out by the other review, he does not interrupt: he only leads and and expands... One can see from the film how inspiring the old master could be.

But unlike Heuhaus-- one of the greatest Russian piano teachers-- who had attended recitals by almost all the great musicians of his time from all over the world, Berlinsky has only Gilels to refer to for the nuances in Beethoven. Are there no really better alternatives?

What surprises me is, he is so unreserved in his comments on his partners. He complains that the violin is too loud and he makes it so clear that he is not happy with the present team! Obviously, the team members don't see things from eye to eye. How do they manage? Is Berlinsky the only yardstick? And one could refer to the early Borodin to understand the problem.

Having said that, this DVD is engaging enough anyway."