Irene Scopelliti asked: >Does anyone think a quartet can play better those pieces (Beethoven >complete, Schubert last four)? It is difficult to choose one ensemble over all others with this music, but one would be hard put to deny you the Quartetto Italiano as first choice for all of the Beethoven, and for Nos. 12 and 14 of the Schubert. Some alternative ensembles will excel in one or more of the quartets and then disappoint in others. Some ensembles may please at first and then cease to wear well. Still others ought to be avoided except perhaps as cautionary performances to enlighten you how the quartets should not be played. I seldom listen anymore by choice to any but the later Beethoven quartets, because there is only so much time to listen to music, and so much music to listen to (particularly new music). Recordings of the late quartets I have kept include the Italiano, the Berg, the Yale, the Fitzwilliam and some of the older Budapest. I suggest sticking with the Italiano, and then after one or more of the quartets begins to grow on you, try another ensemble to get a fresh perspective and further insight. John Dalmas [log in to unmask]