Customer Reviews

Schubert: Quintet, Op.163, C Major

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

 

 

Cleveland Quartet's interpretation of Quintet 956 is one of the finest pieces I ever heard. The interpretation is passionate yet proportionated, flawless. This is not a group of soloists trying to play chamber music, but the product of one single soul with five magnificent pairs of hands.

This performance of the Schubert: Quintet, Op.163 is achingly and beautifully spiritual. I have been listening to this recording for years and am always moved by the depth of the composition and the interpretation. Don't miss this recording.

Flawed sound engineering (you can often hear the breathing of the closely miked performers) barely detracts from the luminous, unearthly beauty that sings from every phrase and syllable of this incredible performance. I have heard many recordings of this music, and I would not choose another.

After reading the first two reviews, I wonder if the group recorded the piece again differently. On my recording, the second cello is constantly rushing the pizzicato in the second movement. My internal metronome rebels against this to the point that I can't stand listening to it. I'm buying a recording with a different group of performers in hopes of finally getting a CD that has the strict rhythm that the Budapest Quartet with Benar Heifetz perform on my old LP. Maybe there's a CD of that very recording. It'll be a relief.