John Smyth <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>Bartok String Quartets, Juilliard Columbia ML 4278, 4279, 4280.
>
>These were recorded in the '50's and are available on '78's, Columbia
>blue label and finally the 6-eye. The original members in these first
>recordings, Mann, Koff, Villyer and Winograd play with such rhythmic,
>dynamic and stylistic cohesiveness that I often shake my head in
>disbelief when listening.

For me these performances are indeed unique.  They were played more as
though the music was "modern" than how we are used to hearing Bartok
these days.

I should add a story I heard recently in an old taped interview with
someone who had been at Juilliard when one or several of the quartets
were being played supposedly during a visit Shostakovich made to the US.
The individual said Shostakovich was in tears listening and said later
that it was a joy to hear them as they were never done in Russia at that
time.

Karl