. . . remarkably consistent performances . . . [the sound] has a degree of presence, clarity and audio perspective that has probably never been equalled . . . these are in the main wonderful performances . . . superb annotations, a single, fine-sounding pure audio Blu-ray disc . . . and a satisfying DVD programme . . . it's five stars all the way . . .

The Takács performances have it all . . . The Takács Quartet has given us a very distinguished reading of the complete Beethoven string quartets. One has the impression that hours of research, thought, and discussion have gone into the playing of every bar, and yet the performances have an expressive range and spontaneity that holds one's attention from the first bar to the last of each quartet. The finale from Op. 59, No. 3 is as spectacularly headlong as one could wish, and the Cavatina from Op. 130 as heartbreaking as it could possibly be, especially in the devastating "Beklemmt" passage. Nearly every movement from every quartet is a highlight . . . the Takács Beethoven recordings are among the ones I will return to for both pleasure and enrichment for years to come . . . [in the included DVD's excellent documentary, the performances] are wonderful, with Haydn's "Bird" quartet an unalloyed delight. It would be difficult to imagine this great music played with more control, humor or joy.

. . . a copiously annotated deluxe packaging . . . The set has a unique musical consistency with faultless internal balances and well-chosen speeds and the recordings are equally exemplary . . . The Takács plays with a nervy, driven quality . . .