COMPOSERS: Schubert
LABELS: MCA Millennium Classics
WORKS: String Quintet in C, D956
PERFORMER: Vienna Konzerthaus Quartet Günther Weiss (cello)
CATALOGUE NO: MCD 80124 ADD
Unfortunately, this Fifties recording of Schubert’s String Quintet by the Vienna Konzerthaus Quartet and Günther Weiss suffers from excessive sentimentality. Exaggerated tempo fluctuations – most notably in the first movement and Adagio – spoil what might otherwise have been a persuasive account. Their vigorous performance of the scherzo contrasts nicely with the trio’s darker atmosphere, and they bring out the finale’s Hungarian flavour with style. However, the Hollywood’s and Reher’s superb alternative remains the finest interpretation of Schubert’s Quintet from this vintage. Nicholas Rast
Schubert: String Quintet in C, D956
Unfortunately, this Fifties recording of Schubert’s String Quintet by the Vienna Konzerthaus Quartet and Günther Weiss suffers from excessive sentimentality. Exaggerated tempo fluctuations – most notably in the first movement and Adagio – spoil what might otherwise have been a persuasive account. Their vigorous performance of the scherzo contrasts nicely with the trio’s darker atmosphere, and they bring out the finale’s Hungarian flavour with style. However, the Hollywood’s and Reher’s superb alternative remains the finest interpretation of Schubert’s Quintet from this vintage. Nicholas Rast
Our rating
2
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:38 pm