oh Ravel.

Maurice Ravel wrote his String quartet in F major in 1903; he was 28.  It was poorly received by critics.  Two years later, Calude Debussy, realizing its genius said of it, "In the name of the gods of music and in my own, do not touch a single note you have written in your Quartet."  It is now one of the most commonly performed quartets.  And I think it's the bee's knees.  The second movement is the most famous (of the four) and it is certainly amazing... but I like the first movement the best.  It's got everything... serenity, movement, nostalgia, tremulousness, mystery, and a hurricane-like climax in the middle that knocks my socks off.

Ravel, Maurice - String Quartet in F, Op. 35: I. Allegro moderato - Trés doux
(1927: International Quartet)

 - I believe this is the first recording of this piece ever made.... Ravel himself actually heard earlier takes by this group and gave them feedback and direction.  In the end he said of this recording that he was, "completely satisfied as much with the sonority as with the tempi and the nuances."  This version is basically the 'official' source if you want to know what was in Ravel's head.  So there you go!  Intonation wasn't as big of a deal earlier last century... they went more for the vibe.... totally rock and roll.

Ravel, Maurice - String Quartet in F, Op. 35: I. Allegro moderato - Trés doux
(1934: Galimir Quartet)

 - Here's another recording supervised by Ravel.  The story goes that he was in the recording booth not saying much... finally he said, "It's really very good; who wrote it?"  Apparently he wasn't well; he had suffered a blow to the head two years earlier that kind of scrambled his circuits... he died three years later.

Ravel, Maurice - String Quartet in F, Op. 35: I. Allegro moderato - Trés doux
(1928: Quatour Capet)
 - Another early recording from France.  I love this one because of the heavy use of glissando... these guys are slip-slidin' all over the place, too much red wine probably.

Ravel, Maurice - String Quartet in F, Op. 35: I. Allegro moderato - Trés doux
(2001: Belcea Quartet)
 - Here's a great newer recording... not much to say about this... it's just plain great.

Ravel, Maurice - String Quartet in F, Op. 35: I. Allegro moderato - Trés doux (?)

 - Lastly here's the first recording I ever owned of this piece.  It's my favorite.  It's not overstated or understated; very well played, good intonation (which I really care about), well chosen tempi...  not the greatest recording quality but it's certainly decent.  Here's the thing though... I have no idea who made the recording!  I've done some research to no avail.  I'm crazy curious.  So....

For 500 P&P Points!!!  Who recorded this version?