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Andante's deluxe package of Schubert's chamber music masterpieces includes classic performances that retain their glories. The Cortot-Thibaud-Casals Trio in the Piano Trio No. 1 and the Busch Trio's Piano Trio No. 2, for example, still reign supreme for insightful, warm interpretations, here transferred with presence and color. Busch's violin Fantasy, too, has only been bettered by Szigeti's performance, and the Kreisler-Rachmaninoff recording of the Grand Duo Violin Sonata has always been--and always will be--in a class by itself. Even stiffer recorded competition hasn't dislodged the Schnabel Trout Quintet or the Pro Arte String Quintet from classic status. A few once-lauded selections, like the Léner's Octet, now seem a bit frayed at the edges, but remain fascinating glimpses into the past. These originals were recorded between 1926 and 1944, so they feature a warmer, more expressive, more humane performing style than we get these days. Although some of these classics are available on various labels, Andante's collection is a well-transferred, convenient way to get Schubert's greatest chamber hits performed by an array of brilliant Schubert interpreters in one handsome set.
--Dan Davis
Product Description
He's composed in virtually every major genre, yet Schubert's greatness is most apparent through his chamber music. He brought an instinctive ability to blend and balance small combinations of instruments, and works like the "Trout" Quintet and the B-flat Major Piano Trio are counted among the supreme achievements in all of chamber music. Featured in this sweeping anthology are such legendary chamber performers as the Pro Arte String Quartet, Léner Quartet, Busch Trio, Thibaud-Cortot-Casals Trio, violinist Adolf Busch and pianist Rudolf Serkin. Worth special attention are first-rate performances by virtuoso violinist Fritz Kreisler and pianist Sergei Rachmaninov - surely to be treasured for generations to come.
