COMPOSERS: Hummel/Schubert/ Mendelssohn
LABELS: Meridian
WORKS: Piano Quintet in E flat, Op. 87; Notturno, D897; Sextet in D, Op. 110
PERFORMER: The Music Group of Manchester
CATALOGUE NO: CDE 84277 DDD
Hummel’s Piano Quintet provided the model for Schubert’s Trout Quintet, similarly opting for a double bass instead of the second violin. It is an endearing, melodically rich work, chamber music designed as much for sociable playing as for listening to. This inspires a performance of both fun and charm, though intimacy is lost in the recording’s ecclesiastical acoustic, which muddies the piano sound. Better to try the Schubert Ensemble of London (Hyperion). Matthew Rye
Hummel/Schubert/ Mendelssohn
Hummel’s Piano Quintet provided the model for Schubert’s Trout Quintet, similarly opting for a double bass instead of the second violin. It is an endearing, melodically rich work, chamber music designed as much for sociable playing as for listening to. This inspires a performance of both fun and charm, though intimacy is lost in the recording’s ecclesiastical acoustic, which muddies the piano sound. Better to try the Schubert Ensemble of London (Hyperion). Matthew Rye
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:32 pm