Hollywood String Quartet

Hollywood String Quartet

Company type	String quartet
Industry	Classical music, studio recording
Founded	1939
Founder	Felix Slatkin, Eleanor Aller
Defunct	1961
Headquarters	Los Angeles , United States
Products	Classical recordings, studio session performances

The Hollywood String Quartet (HSQ) was a distinguished American string quartet established by violinist and conductor Felix Slatkin alongside cellist Eleanor Aller. It holds the distinction of being the first classical chamber ensemble, both born and trained in the United States, to gain worldwide acclaim, largely due to its groundbreaking recordings. These recordings continue to be esteemed as outstanding interpretations within the string quartet canon.

History

Members of the HSQ were prominent musicians in leading movie studio orchestras, playing a key role in shaping the rich soundtracks characteristic of Hollywood's "Golden Age." The quartet was formed in 1939—the same year Slatkin and Aller wed—with its initial roster featuring violist Paul Robyn and second violinist Joachim Chassman. The ensemble’s activities were interrupted during World War II when its male members joined the armed forces; they reconvened in 1947 with Paul Shure stepping in for Chassman. In 1955, Alvin Dinkin took over the viola position from Robyn.

In addition to their classical work, HSQ musicians were highly sought-after session players for major recording companies such as Capitol Records, collaborating with leading popular artists including Frank Sinatra. Felix Slatkin notably served as concertmaster and occasional conductor during Sinatra’s iconic Capitol sessions of the 1950s, such as the 1956 album Close to You, which featured the HSQ performing under arrangements by Nelson Riddle.

The quartet dissolved in 1961; Slatkin died two years later at age 47.

The musicians

Every member of the HSQ was a child of Russian immigrants and received formal training at prestigious institutions like the Juilliard School or the Curtis Institute of Music. Principal figures included:

Felix Slatkin (1915–1963), violinist and conductor; educated at Curtis under Efrem Zimbalist and studied conducting with Fritz Reiner; concertmaster for the 20th Century Fox Studio Orchestra from 1937 to 1963 and for Sinatra’s Capitol sessions; led the Concert Arts Orchestra and Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra.

Eleanor Aller Slatkin (1917–1995), cellist; trained at Juilliard under Felix Salmond; principal cellist for Warner Bros. Studio Orchestra (1939–1968) and later with 20th Century Fox Orchestra (1972–1985).

Paul Shure (1921–2011), second violin; Curtis alumnus who studied with Joseph Achron; became the youngest member of the Philadelphia Orchestra at age 18 under conductor Leopold Stokowski; served as assistant concertmaster at 20th Century Fox; departed HSQ in 1958 to join Oberlin Conservatory faculty; concertmaster for Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra between 1972 and 1987. Following Shure’s exit, Joseph Stepansky joined for touring engagements.

Paul Robyn (1908–1970), violist; Juilliard-trained with instructors Joseph Fuchs, Samuel Gardner, and Hans Letz; formerly part of the Gordon String Quartet; principal violist at Warner Brothers; left HSQ in 1955, succeeded by Alvin Dinkin.

Alvin Dinkin (1912–1970), violist; studied at Curtis under Louis Bailly; performed with St. Louis Symphony and 20th Century Fox Orchestras alongside Slatkin.

Pianist Victor Aller (1905–1977), brother of Eleanor Aller, appeared on several HSQ recordings including Brahms’ Piano Quartets and Quintet. A Juilliard graduate under Josef Lhévinne, he enjoyed a notable career in film music, overseeing Warner Bros. Studio Orchestra activities as well as teaching and recording.

The HSQ sound

Conductor Leonard Slatkin observed that the members of the Hollywood String Quartet shared comparable educational backgrounds and training, which contributed to their unified technique and ensemble timbre. This synergy produced an exceptional "clarity of texture," characterized by precise intonation and meticulous rehearsal. Their sound combined warmth, tonal richness, dynamic intensity, intellectual depth, solid rhythmic foundation, and an instinctive understanding of musical structure.

Critic Alfred Frankenstein lauded the HSQ for its "splendid collective tone" and a performance style that skillfully balanced intricate detail with symphonic power, placing the group among the foremost international chamber ensembles. A review in the New York Times similarly commended the quartet’s "radiant tone" and masterful artistry, particularly in their Schubert interpretations, ranking them among the world’s elite chamber groups.

Violinist Paul Shure highlighted the significance of blending through nuanced techniques such as vibrato and bow pressure, emphasizing that dynamic range was central to their approach while tempo variations remained minimal. Cellist Eleanor Aller underscored the importance of thoughtful interpretation tailored to each composer and composition, noting that the ensemble engaged in disciplined daily rehearsals for two years prior to their public debut.

The classical recordings

Between 1949 and 1958, the HSQ released a collection of classical recordings under Capitol Records; many of these were later reissued as boxed LP sets by EMI during the 1980s and subsequently on CD by Testament Records in the 1990s. Their recorded works spanned from lesser-known pieces like Villa Lobos’ String Quartet No. 6 to Grammy-winning interpretations of Beethoven’s Late Quartets, setting a benchmark for quality that critics praised and audiences embraced. In 1982, critic Richard Freed remarked: "The Hollywood String Quartet might be the finest ensemble ever assembled in this country ... each rendition could serve as a standard for interpretation. Both individual musicianship and group cohesion are exemplary, achieving a remarkable balance between subtlety and passion; EMI’s remastering is outstanding."

Their initial releases also garnered high praise. Lionel Salter of Gramophone Magazine commented on their recordings of Creston, Turina, and Wolf: "The Hollywood Quartet exemplifies masterful ensemble playing; I eagerly anticipate each new release and have never encountered anything less than exceptional quality. Their tone is warm and well-balanced, with unwavering unity and flexibility."

Aside from their debut record, original sessions were produced by Richard C. Jones or Robert E. Myers, with engineering handled by John Palladino, Sherwood Hall III, Hugh Davies, or Carson Taylor. The CD reissues spanning 1993 to 1997 were remastered at Abbey Road Studios by Paul Bally, under the executive production of Stewart Brown.

The HSQ and modern repertoire

The Hollywood String Quartet's repertoire incorporated contemporary compositions, including several premiere recordings. Prior to their 1950 rendition, Arnold Schoenberg's Verklärte Nacht had only been available in its orchestral arrangement despite originally being composed for six instruments. Augmented by Alvin Dinkin (second viola) and Kurt Reher (second cello), the HSQ’s sextet version received praise from Schoenberg himself, who authored the original LP liner notes and later presented cellist Eleanor Aller with a photograph inscribed: "For the Hollywood String Quartet for performing my Verklärte Nacht with such delicate beauty."

In 1994, Gramophone Magazine honored this recording—paired with Schubert’s String Quintet in C major—by inducting it into its Historical Non-Vocal Hall of Fame, describing it as "unmatched... flawless ensemble blend; impeccable technique and tonal elegance." Music historian Alfred Frankenstein characterized their 1952 San Francisco performance of Verklärte Nacht as "epic," praising its "magical clarity and texture" absent from orchestral versions.

HSQ was also responsible for the first recording of Sir William Walton’s String Quartet in A Minor. The initial 1949 recording excluded a repeat in the second movement; however, Walton insisted on a re-recording in 1950 to include it. He expressed admiration for the final release: "I hope no one else ever records my Quartet again because you captured exactly what I envisioned." Additionally, Walton’s publisher at Oxford University Press praised violist Paul Robyn’s interpretation and recommended him for Walton's Viola Concerto—though Robyn never recorded that piece.

Composer Paul Creston conveyed great satisfaction with their 1953 recording of his String Quartet in a letter to producer Robert Myers: "I am immensely pleased with both the performance and sound quality... Please extend my deepest gratitude to the Hollywood String Quartet for their excellent execution. I had heard reports of their exceptional skill before meeting them and am delighted they were chosen to preserve my work."

Close to You; Sinatra Collaboration

Among the HSQ's most notable recording achievements is the 1956 Frank Sinatra album Close to You, produced by Voyle Gilmore with arrangements by Nelson Riddle. This album merges elements of popular, classical, and jazz music through a minimalist approach, establishing it as one of Sinatra’s most timeless projects. The collaboration was influenced by Sinatra’s close professional and personal ties with Felix and Eleanor Slatkin.

Sinatra expert Chuck Granata highlights that Sinatra found a kindred musical spirit in Slatkin, as both emphasized extended, fluid phrasing—Slatkin through precise bowing technique and Sinatra via controlled breathing. Granata regards Close to You as "highly innovative" for its era and nearly flawless among Sinatra’s celebrated 'golden age' albums.

Concert Tours

The Hollywood String Quartet conducted seven tours across the United States and also appeared in Canada and New Zealand. Due to their demanding studio schedules, live performances were predominantly held in Southern California. A significant milestone was becoming the first American quartet invited to perform at the Edinburgh Festival during their 1957 European tour, which also included Stockholm, Rome, and London's Royal Festival Hall. A live recording from the Royal Festival Hall was subsequently issued on CD in 1996.

Accolades and Recognition

At the inaugural Grammy Awards in 1958, the HSQ earned Best Classical Performance, Chamber Music for their interpretation of Beethoven's String Quartet No. 13. Additionally, Felix Slatkin contributed to the industry as a Trustee of the Los Angeles Chapter of NARAS.

In 1994, the Hollywood String Quartet was honored with the Gramophone Magazine Award in the Historic Non-Vocal category for their Testament Records release featuring Schoenberg’s Verklärte Nacht alongside Schubert’s String Quintet in C Major.

The Cannes Classical Award in 1997 recognized their Beethoven Late Quartets recordings and bestowed a Lifetime Achievement Award upon the group, accepted by Paul Shure, who was then the quartet’s last surviving member.

Family Musical Heritage

The sons of Eleanor and Felix Slatkin have distinguished themselves in music careers. Leonard Slatkin is a prominent conductor known for leading the Detroit Symphony and the Orchestre National de Lyon. Frederick Zlotkin—restoring the original family surname—is principal cellist with the New York City Ballet Orchestra and performs with the Lyric Piano Quintet.

It is important to note that the HSQ has no affiliation with the ensemble known as New Hollywood String Quartet.

Selected Discography

Year Recorded	Repertoire	Details
1949	Villa-Lobos String Quartet No. 6 in E (1938) Recording date: October 17, 1949 LP: Capitol L-8054; CD: Testament SBT 1053 (1994) Producer: Jim Conkling Engineer: John Palladino	In 1951, Gramophone Magazine commended its brilliant execution and recommended this lesser-known work for its delightful composition and charming Andante.
1949 & 1950	Walton String Quartet in A Minor (1947) Recording dates: November 2 & 3, 1949; August 22, 1950 LP: Capitol P-8054; CD: Testament SBT 1052 (1994) Producers: Richard C. Jones, Jim Conkling Engineer: John Palladino	Commentary Magazine (1982) emphasized the group's distinctive style contrasting Villa-Lobos's emotive tone with Walton's more reserved nature. Gramophone noted polished and lively interpretations despite somewhat dry sound quality.
1950	Schoenberg Verklärte Nacht, Op. 4 Recording dates: August 21 & 22, 1950 LP: Capitol P-8304; CD: Testament SBT 1031 (1993) Producer: Richard C. Jones Engineer: John Palladino	Featuring Alvin Dinkin (second viola) and Kurt Reher (second cello). This was the first recording of Schoenberg’s original version under his supervision. The 1994 reissue earned Gramophone's Historic Non-Vocal Award for its finesse and structural clarity.
1951	Schubert String Quintet in C Major, Op. 163, D 956 Recording dates: January 15–17, 1951 LP: Capitol P-8133; EMI RLS-765; CD: Testament SBT 1031 (1993) Producer: Richard C. Jones Engineer: John Palladino	With Kurt Reher on second cello. The reissued recording also received Gramophone's Historic Non-Vocal Award for its eloquence and dignified control.
1951	Hindemith String Quartet No. 3 in C Major, Op. 22 Recording dates: April 2–3, 1951 LP: Capitol P-8151; CD: Testament SBT 1052 (1994) Producer: Richard C. Jones Engineer: John Palladino	Acclaimed for clear polyphony and lyrical melodic lines; noted for cohesive ensemble performance and high sound quality.
1951	Prokofiev String Quartet No. 2 in F Major, Op. 92 Recording dates: April 4–5, 1951 LP: Capitol P-8151; CD: Testament SBT 1052 (1994) Producer: Richard C. Jones Engineer: John Palladino	While some reviews mentioned softened contours, this Hollywood rendition remains unsurpassed among available recordings.
1951	Ravel Introduction et Allegro for harp, flute, clarinet, and strings Recording date: October 29, 1951 LPs: Capitol L-8154, P-8304; CD: Testament SBT 1053 (1994) Producer: Richard C. Jones Engineer: John Palladino	Featuring Ann Mason Stockton (harp), Arthur Gleghorn (flute), Mitchell Laurie (clarinet). Praised for exceptional sonic blend and aesthetic beauty.
1952	Debussy Danses Sacrée et Profane Recording date: October 30, 1951 LPs: Capitol L-8154, P-8304; CD: Testament SBT 1053 (1994) Producer: Richard C. Jones Engineer: John Palladino	With Ann Mason Stockton on harp and Concert Arts String Ensemble conducted by Felix Slatkin. Performance received acclaim despite minor technical limitations.
1952	Brahms String Quartet No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 51 No.2 Recording dates: January 28–30, 1952 LP: Capitol P-8163; CD: Testament SBT 3063 Producer: Richard C. Jones Engineer: John Palladino	Recognized for profound depth and clarity with emphasized emotional expressiveness.
1952	Shostakovich Piano Quintet in G minor, Op.57 Recording date: May 6, 1952 LP: Capitol P-8171; CD: Testament SBT 1077 (1995) Producer: Robert E. Myers Engineer: John Palladino	Featuring Victor Aller on piano; regarded as a monumental performance still esteemed decades later.
1952	Tchaikovsky String Quartet No.1 in D Major, Op.11 Recording months: November & December,1952 LP: Capitol P-8187; CD: Testament SBT1061 (1995) Producer: Robert E. Myers Engineer: John Palladino	Noted for vigorous interpretation despite some recording constraints.
1952	Borodin String Quartet No.2 in D Major' ' *Recording dates December19–20,1952 *LP Capitol P-8187; CD Testament SBT1061(1995) *Producer Robert E Myers *Engineer John Palladino	* Celebrated for technical mastery exceeding competitors; occasional stylistic choices observed.
1953	Franck Piano Quintet in F minor' ' *Recording dates January27–29,1953 *LP Capitol P-8220; CD Testament SBT1077(1996) *Producer Robert E Myers *Engineer John Palladino	* Featuring Victor Aller on piano; acclaimed for sensitive interpretation and well-balanced recording.
1953	Turina La oración del torero, Op.34 (1925)' ' *Recording date December14,1953 *LP P-8260; CD Testament SBT1053(1994) *Producer Robert E Myers *Engineer John Palladino	* Performance elevates this piece beyond typical reception.
1953	Creston String Quartet Op.8 (1935)' ' *Recording dates December21 &26 ,1953 *LP P-8260; CD Testament SBT1053 *Producer Robert E Myers *Engineer John Palladino	* Recognized for individuality and refined style despite minor recording flaws.
1953	Wolf Italian Serenade' ' *Recording date December26 ,1953 *LP Capitol P-8260; CD Testament SBT1077 *Producer Robert E Myers *Engineer John Palladino	* Noted for engaging rhythm at brisk tempo; fills a gap in recorded repertoire.
1954	Brahms Piano Quintet in F minor Op.34' ' *Recording dates March30 &31 ,1954 *LP Capitol P-8269; EMI RLS-765; CD Testament3063 *Producer Robert E Myers *Engineer Sherwood Hall III	* Featuring Victor Aller on piano; powerful yet thoughtful performance rivaling distinguished interpretations.
1955	Dohnanyi String Quartet No.3 in A minor Op.33' ' *Recording dates January8 &9 ,1955 *LP Capitol P-8307; CD Testament SBT1081 *Producer Robert E Myers *Engineer Sherwood Hall III	* Alvin Dinkin replaced Paul Robyn on viola; composer praised this recording highly; noted for expert execution.
1955	Dvorak String Quartet No.6 in F Major Op.96 "American"' ' *Recording dates January23 &24 ,1955 *LP P-8307; EMI RLS-765; CD Testament1072 *Producer Robert E Myers *Engineer Sherwood Hall III	* Lauded for finesse and impeccable intonation alongside other Czech repertoire.
1955	Hummel String Quartet in G Major Op.30 No.2' ' *Recording dates April22 &23 ,1955 *LP Capitol P-8316; CD Testament SBT1085(1996) *Producer Robert E Myers *Engineer Sherwood Hall III	* Noted for charming interpretation with superior sound quality compared to companion works.
1955	Schumann Piano Quintet in E-flat Major Op.44' ' *Recording dates May13–16 ,1955 *LP Capitol P-8316; CD Testament3063 *Producer Robert E Myers *Engineer Sherwood Hall III	* Featuring Victor Aller on piano; technically accomplished but less empathetic than some rivals with a somewhat steely tone noted.
1955	Smetana String Quartet No.1 in E Major T116 "From My Life"' ' *Recording date November2 ,1955 *LP Capitol P-8331; EMI RLS-765(1982); CD Testament1072(1996) *Producer Robert E Myers *Engineer Sherwood Hall III	* Praised for superb attack and blend; regarded as a classic with enduring style.
1955	Glazunov Five Novelettes' ' *Recording dates November26 &27 ,1955 *LP Capitol P-8331; CD Testament1061 *Producer Robert E Myers *Engineer Sherwood Hall III	* Considered among the ensemble’s finest performances featuring well-balanced sound.
1956	Brahms Piano Quartet No.3 in C minor Op.60' ' *Recording dates January6–8 ,1956 *LP Capitol P-8377 Boxed set PER8346; CD Testament3063 *Producer Robert E Myers *Engineer Sherwood Hall III	* Featuring Victor Aller on piano; technically proficient with some interpretive critiques noted.
1956	Brahms Piano Quartet No.1 in G minor Op.25' ' *Recording period May2–26 ,1956 *LP Capitol P-8378 Boxed set PER8346; CD Testament SBT3063 *Producer Robert E Myers *Engineer Sherwood Hall III	* Featuring Victor Aller on piano; performance effectively conveys music’s essence despite occasional flaws.
1956	Brahms Piano Quartet No.2 in A Major Op.26' ' ** Recording dates June6 &7 &20 ,1956 ** LP P-8376 Boxed set PER8346; CD Testament SBT3063 ** Producer Robert E Myers ** Engineer Sherwood Hall III	** Featuring Victor Aller on piano; these recordings remain benchmarks offering satisfying musical insight.
1956	Schubert String Quartet No.14 in D minor D810 "Death and the Maiden"' ' ** Recording dates December7 &9 ,1956 ** LP Capitol P-8359; CD Testament1081 ** Producer Robert E Myers ** Engineer Sherwood Hall III	** Celebrated for flawless intonation and rhythmic accuracy; considered an unparalleled reference recording.
1957	Beethoven String Quartet No.10 in E-flat Major Op.127' ' ** Recording months February & March ,1957 ** LP Capitol P-8443 Box Set PER8394; CD Testament3082(1996) ** Producer Richard C Jones ** Engineers Hugh Davies & Sherwood Hall III	** Noted for precise technical mastery and instrumental finesse unmatched by contemporaries.
	Beethoven String Quartet No.13 in B-flat Major Op.130' ' ** Recording months March & April ,1957 ** LP Capitol P-8429 Box Set PER8394; CD Testament3082(1996) ** Producer Robert E Myers ** Engineers Hugh Davies & Sherwood Hall III	** Recipient of Grammy Award for Best Classical Performance at inaugural ceremony; acclaimed for profound articulation and vigor.
	Beethoven String Quartet No.16 in F Major Op.135' ' ** Recording period April to June ,1957 ** LP Capitol P-8455 Box Set PER8394; CD Testament3082(1996) ** Producer Robert E Myers ** Engineers Hugh Davies & Sherwood Hall III	** Celebrated authoritative interpretations marked by selfless dedication and impeccable execution.
	Beethoven Grosse Fuge in B-flat Major Op.133' ' ** Recording dates May18 &13 ,1957 ** LP Capitol P-8455 Box Set PER8394; CD Testament3082(1996) ** Producer Robert E Myers ** Engineers Hugh Davies & Sherwood Hall III	** Described as dazzling virtuosity serving musical expression at an exceptional level.
	Beethoven String Quartet No.15 in A minor Op.132' ' ** Recording months May & June ,1957 ** LP P-8424 Box Set PER8394; CD Testament3082(1996) ** Producer Robert E Myers ** Engineers Hugh Davies & Sherwood Hall III	** Recognized for spiritual intensity and dramatic tension comparable to leading recordings of these compositions.
	Beethoven String Quartet in C-sharp minor Op.131' ' ** Recording dates June15 ,22 ,29 ,1957 ** LP P-8425 Box Set PER8394; CD Testament3082(1996) ** Producer Robert E Myers ** Engineers Hugh Davies & Sherwood Hall III	** Praised for distinctive bright tonal quality illuminating Beethoven’s complex quartets.
	Haydn Mozart – The Unpublished Live Recordings' ' ** Recording date September8 ,1957 ** LP none; CD Testament SBT1085 (1996) ** Original producer unknown	** Valued for stylistic cohesion and outstanding sound quality despite live recording limitations.
	Kodály String Quartet No.2 Op.10' ' Recording months June & July ,15 ,9 ,1958 LP P(SP)-8472 ;CD Testament1072 Producer Robert E Myers Engineer Sherwood Hall III	Highly convincing rendition considered possibly their finest interpretation of this work.
	Villa-Lobos String Quartet No .6 (1938)' ' Recording months July & August ,28 ,5 &6 ,1958 LP P(SP)-8472 Producer Robert E Myers Engineer Carson Taylor	Second recording of this piece lauded as a masterpiece extending impressionist traditions through sensitive performances and excellent sound capture.