The Busch Quartet, led by violinist Adolf Busch, was considered Europe's most highly regarded chamber ensemble when World War II began in 1939.
Recording & Production
Columbia Records offered the Busch Quartet a contract to record Beethoven's works not yet done for HMV, aiming to challenge Victor's classical record industry monopoly.
Recording & Production
The Busch Quartet's recording of the 'Second Razumovsky' was initially shelved because Victor released a version by the Coolidge Quartet, and was not issued until much later.
Historical Context
Adolf Busch, the leader of the Busch Quartet, emigrated to New York in 1939, having already repudiated his native Germany and Italy for political reasons.
Recording & Production
The recording of Beethoven's 'Razumovsky' in E minor, Op. 59 No. 2, required the players to finish the Scherzo halfway through a 78 rpm side and immediately launch into the finale.
Critical Reception
The Coolidge Quartet's version of the 'Second Razumovsky', which prevented the Busch Quartet's release, later 'sank without trace'.
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