Franz SCHUBERT (1797 - 1828)
Quintet in A D667 "Trout"* [39.42]
Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART(1756 - 1791)
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (Serenade in G K525)** [17.50]
Guarneri Quartet
Arnold Steinhardt**, John Dalley (violins)
Michael Tree (viola), David Soyer (cello)
Plus Emanuel Ax (piano)*, Julius Levine (d/bass)
Recorded 23/24 May 1983 , 20/21 November 1980* RCA Studios New York
City. DDD
RCA Red Seal 09026 63589
2 [58.12]
Crotchet
Amazon
USA Midprice
This recording was originally issued in 1986 when LP, cassette and CD releases
in harness were normal. To accommodate the LP format the coupling was then
just under 59 minutes - and this re-release issued without any filler added
looks decidedly un-competitive in today's market where the buyer is more
and more selective.
This is unfortunate as any purchaser is unlikely to be disappointed by his
choice. Releases of the Trout are many and regular and this, from
an augmented Guaneri Quartet, is respectable and recommendable without it
having that special spark that would be needed to place it near the top of
the list.
Recordings of a work like the Trout always have a problem due to the
difficulties of balance between piano and a small string ensemble. In this
instance the engineers have avoided the pitfalls and have come up with a
good balance. A fresh sounding, lively performance appeals with the important
piano part played tastefully by Emanuel Ax and a pleasing degree of shading
and contrasts from the strings. Good ensemble playing from a highly regarded
group.
The String Quintet version of Eine Kleine Nachtsmusik makes an welcome
second item. More normally heard in a chamber orchestra version, this minimised
Mozart (an option from the time of its composition) is a refreshing change.
To hear the five lines (two violin parts not a doubling) is a delight, and
the 'authentic' movement of recent years must take some credit for the greater
appreciation the reduction gives. One needn't be a supporter of all their
views to appreciate that more clarity in our music is now the norm. One minor
problem appears at the opening of track 8 - the minuet where there are some
intonation failings from the viola that sound to me like a fault in the original
recording and manifested themselves as slight squeaks. Tiny blemishes and
certainly no reason not to buy this attractively compiled CD.
Certainly a disc to consider but there are better versions of the
Trout to choose from.
Reviewer.
Harry Downey
