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Ferdinand RIES (1784–1838) Piano Quartet in F minor, Op. 13 Piano Quartet in E flat major, Op. 17 Daniel Raiskin, viola Mendelssohn Trio Berlin: Stephan Picard, violin Ramon Jaffé, cello Andreas Frölich, piano Recorded at Immanuelkirche, Köln-Rondorf, Germany, March 2002 CPO 999 885 [51:51]

In recent years, CPO has been the primary champion of the music of Ferdinand Ries producing recordings of his chamber works and symphonies. Each release has been well received, and this disc of Piano Quartets is perhaps the best yet. Ries came from a musical family and was mentored by Beethoven. Although their relationship was close when in the student-master mode, it came to a hostile end when Ries eventually received a position that Beethoven had wanted for himself. From that point on, Beethoven consistently bad-mouthed Ries and even promoted the idea that the student was just an imitator of the master. To his credit, Ries continued to talk in appreciative tones of Beethoven because of his earlier guidance. As for the music of Ries, it is beautifully crafted and flows logically. Ries likes strong contrasts and slashing rhythms with attractive melodies that linger subsequent to listening to his works. The two Piano Quartets on the disc are generally upbeat in emotional content, but Ries offers sufficient drama and poignancy to keep his music interesting and fresh. In terms of comparisons, Ries is on the level of Hummel, Spohr and Reicha. Although the Piano Quartets are excellent works, my great enthusiasm for the disc comes from the sound quality and the performances. The sound is simply spectacular – wonderful clarity, definition, depth, and crispness. Each instrument has its own sound corridor with exceptional detail of musical lines. Upon reflection, I consider the sound characteristics the best I have ever heard from a chamber music recording. The performances are at an equally high level. The elements of teamwork and individuality are perfectly balanced. Most important, the buoyancy of the interpretations is a delight for the senses and essential to put the music of Ries in its best light. With sound and performances so good, Ries begins to sound like one of the master composers of any century. Chamber music enthusiasts and those who have a warm feeling for the transitional period between the Classical and Romantic eras should find the new CPO disc an absolute delight. With excellent music and superior sound and performances, I strongly recommend acquisition of the recording. Don Satz See also review by Paul Shoemaker Advertising Rates Visitor stats MusicWeb International has over 40,000 Classical CD reviews on offer Discs received Having a problem Donating? Gerard Hoffnung Concerts & The Bricklayer Story   New Releases New Releases   MusicWeb sells the Polish catalogue CDAccord £10.50 post free W-W MusicWeb sells the Arcodiva catalogue £12.00 post free W-W £11.75 post-free world- wide MusicWeb can now offer you discs from the following catalogues: Prices include postage [Acte Préalable £13.50] [Arcodiva £12.00] [Avie from £6.25] [British Music Society £12.00] [CDACCORD from £13.50 ] [ClassicO £12.50] [Hallé from £11] [Heritage £10] [Hortus £14.99 ] [Lyrita ONLY £11.75 ] [Nimbus Special prices] [Northern Flowers £13.50] [REDCLIFFE £11 ] [Sheva £11] [Tactus £11.50 ] [Talent from £12.00 ] [Toccata Classics £10.50 ] Musicweb Special Offers Monthly Best Buys     Google Ads - for information about privacy matters, click here.  Amazon Musicweb International is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com

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