Schubert: Quintet in C major,D.956 / The Shepherd on the Rock [Live]

Benita Valente (Artist), Franz Schubert (Composer), Pamela Frank (Performer), Felix Galimir (Performer), Julia Lichten (Performer), Steven Tenenbom (Performer), Peter Wiley (Performer), Harold Wright (Performer), Rudolf Serkin (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Pamela Frank, Felix Galimir, Julia Lichten, Steven Tenenbom, Peter Wiley, et al.
• Composer: Franz Schubert
• Audio CD (May 3, 1990)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Live
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B00000270P
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #198,604 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Schubert of surpassing beauty, July 2, 2001

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Happy in NYC (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Schubert: Quintet in C major,D.956 / The Shepherd on the Rock (Audio CD)

Though this is indeed an unusual combination, I don't agree with the previous reviewer -- there is absolutely no reason to give this wonderful CD less than 5 stars. In fact, if I could, I'd give it more! Both pieces, I must admit neither of which was I familiar with before this, are exquisite jewels of Schubertian melody and beautiful, unexpected harmonic turns. The quintet is played with much love and devotion by the Marlboro crew assembled, and what can one say about the other piece -- "The Shepherd On The Rock"? The legendary Rudolf Serkin is at the piano (a better chamber player never existed), the brilliant Harold Wright is on clarinet, and the beguiling, bewitching soprano Benita Valente is at peak form here -- such purity of tone and lovely, delicate phrasing! This piece was recorded in the late 50's, but not to worry -- the sonics are just fine. This was truly a find. Personal note: this was recommended to me by the great Rudolf Serkin's grandson -- how could I resist? I'm glad to report that he certainly didn't let me down!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still as Lovely a Recording of these Schubert Jewels as any, April 2, 2005

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Grady Harp (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Schubert: Quintet in C major,D.956 / The Shepherd on the Rock (Audio CD)

Though recorded in 1986 at a live performance at the Marlboro Festival where outdoor ambience can either enhance or detract from 'pure music', this elegant recording of The Schubert Quintet in C major coupled with 'The Shepherd on the Rock' is right up there with the best of them. The quintet is especially sensitively played and the recorded sound, while a bit forward, still encourages appreciation of the communication among the five string performers.

"The Shepherd on the Rock" is a favorite work, loved by chamber musicians. Written for voice, piano and clarinet - each of equal importance - it is a lovely mood piece. The performers here are the inimitable Rudolf Serkin playing with his usual refinement, Harold Wright providing the clarinet obbligato, and the rare opportunity to hear Benite Valente in top form, sailing through Schubert's lines and high tessitura with seemingly no effort.

If you are looking for the most open and tender 'Shepherd' available, look no further. A very fine recording of an important music festival that celebrated some of our best musicians. Grady Harp, April 05

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A particularly pastoral Schubert, December 17, 2000

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"danielinyaracuy" (San Felipe, Yaracuy Venezuela) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Schubert: Quintet in C major,D.956 / The Shepherd on the Rock (Audio CD)

On occasion we come across a piece that catches our heart for no apparent reason. It is not the greatest one ever, nor it needs to be a supreme quality achievment. It just needs a certain "je ne sais quoi" that allows it to reach to our "inner musical child". This recording did it to me. Not for the quintet, which is superbly played anyway, but for "The Shepherd on the rock". We have Benita Valente singing the amorous longing of a young shepherd, accompanied by a clarinet and a piano (Wright and the great Rudolf Serkin). A most unusual combination. The effect is terrific. And the accomplished performance is a big plus. I would have given it a 5 stars, but the quality of the recording and the mismatching of the two pieces makes me take one star off. But by all means I recommend it highly.