I ordered the complete collection of Beethovens string quartets a few days ago and they just came in today. I haven't been able to listen to all of them yet, but so far the first two string quartets have been a dissapointment. I mean, yes, they were awesome, but I've heard people claim that Beethovens string quartets were better than his symphonies. So far that doesn't seem to be the case, but I can't really judge off of just hearing two.
I have, prior to receiving these CD's, heard Beethovens 16th string quartet in F major, and that was absolutely incredible. I've also heard his Grosse fugue from another quartet in B flat and that, too, was incredible. I have a feeling that the rest of Beethovens later quartets will be amazing.
Discuss these string quartets. Which one(s) is/are your favorite? Is there anything specifically amazing that Beethoven does that I should be careful to listen for? etc. etc.