BEETHOVEN'S LATE STRING QUARTETS

I am happy with the Tokyo String Quartet.

Beethoven's late string quartets were composed between 1823 and 1826, and include Opus 127, 130-132, and 135. The versions of these string quartets that I prefer include:
1. Tokyo String Quartet (RCA 09026-60975-2);
2. Guarnieri String Quartet (RCA 60458-2-RG);
3. Quartetto Italiano (Philips 426050-2).

Good listening!!

Historic-budget choice The Cleveland Quartet

Contemporary The Emerson String Quartet,if you order on line be careful that you only order the last five;they recorded all of them.

For 15-16 I recommend the Talich Quartet (Calliope CAL 9639), for 12-16 + Grand Fugue the LaSalle Quartet (DG).

I agree with Rushton, the Vegh Quartet is superb. But then the Alban Berg Quartet on EMI is in a class of its own. They are absolute masters of ensemble playing and give especially 15 and 16 an intensity and passion, which is truly out of this world!