Brana Records have
released two late-Romantic Russian piano
quintets previously recorded in London
in 1979 now making a welcome return
to the chamber catalogue. The two works
feature the excellent playing of the
eminent Polish born pianist Felicja
Blumental who died in 1991.
Both Rubinstein and
Rimsky-Korsakov opted for something
different from the more usual format
of quintet for piano and string quartet
instead composing quintets for the unusual
combination of piano and woodwind. These
are separated by twenty one years.
As co-founders of the
St. Petersburg Conservatory and Professor
of Composition at the St. Petersburg
Conservatory respectively, Rubinstein
and Rimsky-Korsakov had a profound influence
on the subsequent generation of Russian
composers. Rubinstein was a more cosmopolitan
composer, outspoken in his views and
seen to antagonise other Russian nationalist
composers, namely ‘The Five’ of which
Rimsky-Korsakov was a member.
Rubinstein, as well
as being a most prolific composer, was
one of the greatest pianists of the
nineteenth century. In the genre of
chamber music he wrote several works
for string quartet, violin and cello
sonatas and also a sonata for viola
and piano (a particularly valuable piece
of repertoire for viola players). Rubinstein’s
Quintet in F major, Op. 55 from 1855
is one of two that he composed.
In this four movement
work Rubinstein demonstrates his expertise
in instrumentation, composing melodies
that augment the sonorities of each
instrument. He partners them with skill,
dividing motifs to create contrapuntal
themes, writing for the piano as if
it were an orchestral part and at other
times, as solo instrument shimmering
in the background. Like Schumann, Rubinstein
wrote predominantly for the piano and
at times, this quintet has been said
to sound like a concerto for the instrument.
The playing from the pianist Felicja
Blumental and the New Philharmonia Wind
Ensemble is accomplished and refined
and certainly stylish. A touch more
spontaneity might have been preferred
from the players to have ensured a more
comprehensively satisfying reading.
The classy three movement
Quintet by the great Rimsky-Korsakov
has a more traditional feel than that
of Rubinstein. It may even come as a
surprise to some that Rimsky-Korsakov
wrote chamber music, but when the Russian
Musical Society announced a contest
for a chamber work in 1876, he wrote
two works, his Sextet for Strings and
this Quintet. The prize was awarded
to a Trio composed by Eduard Frantsovitch
Napravnik (1839-1916) and Rimsky-Kosakov’s
quintet was overlooked. It is rumoured
that Napravnik had the good fortune
of an excellent sight-reader by the
name of Leschetizky to play his work
and that Rimsky-Korsakov’s Quintet had
a far less-capable performer who clumsily
struggled through the music.
The first movement
Allegro is similar in style to
that of Beethoven’s early compositions.
The repetition of its main theme makes
this movement particularly memorable.
However, it is the melancholic second
movement Andante in which Rimsky-Korsakov
uncovers his Russian nationalism. The
beautiful dance-like final movement
is worth the wait. It develops into
a more serious section for solo piano,
but features some solo passages for
the horn, flute and clarinet, interspersed
with rippling piano passages. Rimsky-Korsakov
also writes a virtuoso moment for the
bassoon which previously had a more
rhythmic purpose rather than melodic.
The wonderful dance theme returns to
close proceedings. The talented players
of the New Philharmonia Wind Ensemble
and pianist Felicja Blumental give an
adroit interpretation with heaps of
lyricism and the right amount punch.
In conclusion the Rimsky
Quintet is for me the far superior score.
Rubinstein’s work doesn’t make the same
impact but should not be underestimated
and does reward the listener with repeated
plays.
The sound quality is
good and the release is attractively
presented. A fine re-release from Brana
Records which is well worth exploring
and should bring significant rewards
to the lover of late-Romantic chamber
music.
Michael Cookson
Felicja
Blumental (piano) 
