Schubert: String Quintet in C, d. 956

Franz Schubert (Composer), Mstislav Rostropovich (Performer), Emerson String Quartet (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Mstislav Rostropovich, Emerson String Quartet
• Composer: Franz Schubert
• Audio CD (August 11, 1992)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Deutsche Grammophon
• Run Time: 54 minutes
• ASIN: B000001GFA
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,589 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

SCHUBERT STRING QUINTET IN C D956 VELLINGER QUARTET WITH BERNARD GREENHOUSE (CELLO) CD INCLUDES A MULTIMEDIA CD-ROM EXTRA PROGRAM FOR WINDOWS PC'S

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

77 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sublime Schubert, June 1, 2000

By 

"eido" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Schubert: String Quintet in C, d. 956 (Audio CD)

Schubert's music often seems to work in the opposite manner as that of Beethoven: rather than being highly energized and goal-oriented, Schubert shuns endings, favoring extended and somewhat bittersweet lyricism. The C major quintet is a perfect example of Schubert's compositional style-- the first movement alone is nearly 20 minutes, and the entire quartet is just 7 minutes shy of an hour. The Quintet is not only one Schubert's finest works, but one of the finest pieces of chamber music ever written. This recording is simply beautiful (even though, alas, it is not a period performance). Schubert's music demands time and space in which to breathe, and the Emerson quartet gives both. The tempos are never rushed-- the second movement is heart breakingly slow and tender-- and the phrasing is exquisite. This is music in which one can and should wallow.

49 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Should be on everyone's Desert Island Disc list, December 17, 2003

By 

chefdevergue (Spokane, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Schubert: String Quintet in C, d. 956 (Audio CD)

I would not have thought that this would be my preferred recording of the Schubert Quintet. When this was released, I was acquainted with the Emerson Quartet through their recordings of the Bartok quartets and also their recordings of the Ives & Barber quartets. That resume did not give me any assurance as to their competence as Schubert interpreters. Also, Rostropovich has never particularly been a favorite cellist of mine. I came to this recording with only moderate expectations.

I was pleasantly suprised. The Emerson Quartet has proven to be more than equal to the task and has crafted a sublime performance. This is one of the best Schubert recordings I have ever heard, and deserves to be on everyone's Desert Island Disc list. It certainly is on mine.

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Rare Coupling and a Sublime Experience, February 28, 2002

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Free Thinker (Philadelphia, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Schubert: String Quintet in C, d. 956 (Audio CD)

This disc must rank amongst the finest recordings of chamber music in the catalogue. Schubert's incredible masterwork (surprisingly unknown by non-music lovers), played to brilliant effect, with excellent quality sound. As has been stated by other reviewers, and has been known by music lovers since this music was composed, this music is worthy of being called "sublime." All four movements are superior, and as a whole, they form an enlightening musical experience.

Rostropovich, a true cello legend (some say, one of the two or three greatest ever recorded), has partnered here with the Emersons to great success. A true joy of music making can be felt among these 5 musicians, to the delight of the listener. Whether its the serene beauty of the 2nd movement, or the rhythmic drive of the 3rd movement, there are countless moments to treasure here. DG captures the sound of the efforts here in rich, full bodied, all-digital fashion. It should be stated that the disc has no couplings, and is rather short for its price -- but the quality here is of the highest caliber.

This work is amply represented by the catalogue, and though there are many excellent ones (Alban Berg Quartet, etc.), this recording is my personal favorite. Rostropovich's golden sound accompanies the Emerson's in alluring fashion. This is one of my desert island selections.