String Quartets
Despite a slightly odd coupling, this is a worthwhile disc. Not too many people who want to hear the Debussy and Ravel Quartets will be looking for Webern, even though this early work of his isn't as challenging (or as compelling) as his later music for string quartet. The Hagen Quartet plays all of this music very well. The Debussy and Ravel are both more atmospheric and less driven than the famous Emerson Quartet coupling (for this same label). Those recordings are memorable, but for those who find them too tense the Hagen offers a fine alternate and more music.--Leslie Gerber