The Melos Quartet, which was my first recording (in the LP era) remains my favourite. I recall that it had three stars and a 'rosette' in the old Penguin Guide, and it certainly is, as Xuantu says, extremely vibrant and 'pulsing with energy'.

 

I don't know which recording is best but what I always look for is *the* moment in the slow movement of Debussy to be played just right.

 

Quatuor Ebène's version seemed a little dry for me (both sonically and musically). Indeed the Melos performance in the DG Debussy Edition is very fine, pulsing with energy. I also love the Ravel quartet on another naxos disc played by Ad Libitum Quartet (coupled with Faure).

 

Galimir Quartet is my favorite.

 

Try the recording by the Dante Quartet on Hyperion. The Gramophone described their recording of the Debussy as the "most passionate" of those available at the time (2012).

 

The Melos Qt on DG was my first intro to these works, years ago. It remains one of my favorite albums. I've also heard the Quarteto Italiano and the Emersons, two ensembles of greatness, but the Melos just seeems to catch the Impressionistic haze inimicably.

 

Quatuor Ebène (Virgin, 2008) has both quartets plus Fauré's. Rave reviews when it was released.

 

Quatuor Ebène (Virgin, 2008) has both quartets plus Fauré's. Rave reviews when it was released.

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I have this also.

 

I couldn't resist sharing this clip from Family Guy regarding Debussy...

 

Debussy chamber music on Delos. I have the Ravel quartet in the Decca box.

 

Alban Berg Quartet

 

They are both in a reasonable priced box on EMI:tiphat:

 

For Ravel: Emerson and Alban Berg Quartet

 

Personally, I like the Lindsay Quartet.

 

Debussy's quartet is great... It's an individual composition, but I can't find the best interpretation for me.

 

I like the Emerson Quartet for both Debussy and Ravel. In addition to that, I also like the Melos Quartet for Debussy's, the "Debussy Edition" on DG comes with the Melos performance.

 

This is the best one,