Brahms: String Quintets [Import]

Johannes Brahms (Composer), Raphael Ensemble (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Raphael Ensemble
• Composer: Johannes Brahms
• Audio CD (March 11, 1996)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Hyperion UK
• ASIN: B000002ZWC
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #439,087 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. String Quintet No. 1 In F Major, Opus 88: Allegro non troppo ma con brio

2. String Quintet No. 1 In F Major, Opus 88: Grave ed appassionato - Allegretto vivace - Tempo I - Presto - Temp I

3. String Quintet No. 1 In F Major, Opus 88: Allegro energico - Presto

4. String Quintet No. 2 In G Major, Opus 111: Allegro non troppo ma coin brio

5. String Quintet No. 2 In G Major, Opus 111: Adagio

6. String Quintet No. 2 In G Major, Opus 111: Un poco allegretto

7. String Quintet No. 2 In G Major, Opus 111: Vivace ma non troppo presto - Animato

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful and intense, October 6, 2003

By 

Jeffrey Lee (Asheville area, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Brahms: String Quintets (Audio CD)

The unfolding of autumn puts me in the mood to listen to some of the later chamber works of Brahms. In a recent review I wrote on the Dvorak Piano Quintets, I remarked that when it came to chamber music, of all composers, Dvorak gave me the most pure joy and spiritual satisfaction. However, my experience with Brahms in this genre has been the most satisfying in terms of aesthetic richness, although there have been times when I have felt a little less than fulfilled while listening to some portions of some of his later compositions. I almost sense, at times, a creatively weary Brahms, though I suppose some would say, "no, just a mellower Brahms." However, at this time, I find Brahms' opus 88 String Quintet to be rather more gratifying than his later opus 111, especially in terms of melodic inventiveness. I can't quite relate to the first, second and third movements of the Second Quintet with the same degree of appreciation I have for the fourth movement, and the entire earlier quintet. In any event, the Raphael Ensemble certainly does an excellent job of conveying both a sense of perceptiveness and elan in its presentation of these works. In the First Quintet, its quality of youthful freshness is particularly apparent. It comes into play especially during the first movement, with its noble sounding opening theme, and its wonderful, swaying second subject that exhibits a charming Viennese character. The development section that follows evinces a feeling of warmth and a lovely intertwining of melodies. In the third and final movement, the group's presentation is absolutely exhilarating. Not to shortchange the second movement, you will find there a very nicely shaped contrast in moods between delightfulness and seriousness. The Second Quintet is executed also in a very fine manner, despite my aforementioned reservations. There is true poignancy of emotional expression throughout the work. The last movement has a marvelous, seemingly valedictory quality.