Beethoven - Quartet 15 in A, op. 132 - Brandis, 24-bit/44.1 kHz

This is a 24-bit/44.1 kHz transcription using high-end analog equipment of Beethoven's 15th string quartet, in A, op. 132, played by the Brandis Quartet. It was recorded in September 1985 by Arend Prohmann, and originally released on LP by Harmonia Mundi (HMC 1221). It was also released on CD, but that is long out of print.

This is a fine performance and very nicely recorded. I like the performance almost as much as the Lindsay String Quartet's reading. The Brandis Quartet is more four-square in their approach, with less swing than the Lindsays but perhaps a shade better pitch control. The recording is less close-miked than the 1980s ASV recording of the Lindsays, in a somewhat more resonant space, giving the recording a rich, symphonic feel. The engineering works to particularly good effect in the third movement.

The LP from which this recording was transcribed is in immaculate condition, and there is virtually no tracking distortion at all.

I have recently uploaded several other 24-bit LP transcriptions of comparable quality, and will be doing more in the near future. You can find them by clicking on my user id.

Equipment used for A/D conversion: Lyra Helikon phono cartridge, Linn LP12/Lingo turntable, Linn Ittok tonearm, Audioquest LeoPard tonearm cable, PS Audio PS2 preamplifier, Kimber PBJ interconnect, M-Audio Audiophile USB A/D converter.

01 - Assai sostenuto. Allegro [10:22]
02 - Allegro ma non tanto [8:55]
03 - Molto adagio [16:24]
04 - Alla marcia, assai vivace [2:13]
05 - Allegro appasionato [7:35]

Thomas Brandis, 1st violin
Peter Brem, 2nd violin
Wilfried Strehle, viola
Wolfgang Boettcher, cello

NOTE: To the best of my knowledge, this recording is not currently available commercially. If you know otherwise, please let me know ASAP, as I do not wish any artists to be deprived of the royalties that they so richly deserve.