Customer Reviews

Schubert: Piano Quintet in A, "Trout" Op. 114 D. 667

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is Brendel's first recording of Schubert's "Trout" quintet, made in 1977 with members of the Cleveland Quartet and double-bassist James Van Demark - he recorded a new one with a string band led by Thomas Zehetmair in 1995 (Schubert: Trout quintet/Mozart: Piano Quartet In G Minor), while the Cleveland Quartet did their remake with pianist John O'Connor in 1990 for Telarc (Franz Schubert: Piano Quintet "Trout"/Quartet In A Minor). This 1977 essay was generally warmly received on its first appearance and was among the first batch of 60 CDs to be commercially issued in 1983. As was the custom in those early days of CD, the LP was transfered as it was to the new medium, with no filler, making for a very scanty 38:30 timing. What was (barely) acceptable back then is not permissible any more: Brendel's new version has a Mozart piano quartet as a bonus and the Cleveland-Telarc adds Schubert's 13th Quartet. And yet, Philips has now reissued this 1977 version on its "The Originals" collection (and you'll find it there for much cheaper than the present first CD release. It can also be found on a "Critics 1st Choice" collection), still with its scanty timing: see my review under the reissue for comments on the interpretation (Schubert: Forellenquintett, Op. 114 "The Trout").

Whatever gripes there may be about timing this remains a truly great performance of the Trout quintet.

Brendel and the excellent Cleveland Quartet create a strong, clear sound to what is one of Schubert's happiest and most serene compositions. You can "see" the sun's colourful rays bounce off the scaly fish as they leap in and out of crystal clear water!

Brendel has made many fine recordings of Schubert's music, but what comes across here is a real warmth between the players, vital for any successful chamber performance. The quintet is all you get on the CD but that's more than enough. Highly recommended.