Take 2 - Bartok: The Six String Quartets / Juilliard Quartet

Among an assortment of excellent recordings, especially those by the Takacs, Tokyo, and Emerson Quartets, the Juilliard Quartet's 1981 presentation of the six Bartok quartets has considerable competition. The ensemble, with several personnel changes over the years, has recorded the cycle twice before, in 1950 and 1963, so this version must contend with its predecessors as well. These are the Juilliard's most forward and exposed performances, and the all-digital recordings have some noises that may distract. Compared to the superlative 1963 interpretations, these readings are uneven and less refined. When matched against the ground-breaking recordings of 1950, they are more beautiful on the surface, but less invigorating and brash. With that said, this set still has vivid color, high energy, and genuine passion going for it, coming from fresh readings and a perspective other quartets can only envy. There are points of comparison, particularly the last movement of the second quartet and the opening of the fourth, which show that little has changed in the Juilliard's understanding of these works. But there are many revelations and felicitous moments that all worthwhile performances must have. This set is recommended as a good second choice when none of the others are available.