In the Mainstream: The Cleveland Quartet

Donald Weilerstein - violin
Peter Salaff - violin
Atar Arad - viola
Martha Strongin Katz - viola
Paul Katz - cello
The world of chamber music was endowed with a special gift when the Cleveland Quartet was formed in 1969. Through their extensive concert activity, dedication to teaching and award-winning recordings, the Cleveland Quartet brought chamber music and the art of string quartet playing to new heights.
In the Mainstream: The Cleveland Quartet was produced in 1982 and 1983. The film includes scenes from many countries. Post-production editing and sound mixing was completed during the summer of 1983 and the world premiere screening was held at the Carnegie Hall Cinema on Nov. 22, 1983.
Distributed by Golden Age Productions, www.goldenageproductions.info
A Film by Fred Salaff
(c) 1983 FJS International
Used by kind permission of copyright owners.
www.clevelandquartet.com

[@elgatosucio]

Thanks for sharing this treasure.

[@violinhunter2]

I think the deal here should not be such a big secret. These guys sound good because they control rhythm extremely well. Rhythm is BY FAR the most important element in music. Yes, the sound is well-blended and the intonation is wonderful but the key is that rhythmic control. The same can be said for solo players.

[@pl8154]

I believe you refer to phrasing. Rhythm is 'timing', but Phrasing is Speech between rational souls: player to listener. Even Insects have rhythm. Only rational souls are capable of phrasing.

[@violinhunter2]

@@pl8154 I am referring to timing - control of the flow of sound. It's a matter of micro-seconds but we can discern it. When computers play in perfect tempo - without an ounce of rubato - we can tell it's fake, it's just a machine.