SCHUBERT Piano Quintet D667. Trout variations

Eminent ad hoc ensemble with Trout and Troutlets

Record and Artist Details

Composer or Director: Benjamin Schmid, Matthew Whittall, Franz Schubert, Torgrim Sollid

Genre:

Chamber

Label: Sony

Media Format: CD or Download

Media Runtime: 74

Mastering:

Stereo
DDD

Catalogue Number: 88697 89262-2

Tracks:

Composition Artist Credit
Quintet for Piano and Strings, 'Trout' Franz Schubert, Composer
Antti Siirala, Piano
Benjamin Schmid, Violin
Erik Sollid, Hardanger fiddle
Franz Schubert, Composer
Jan Vogler, Cello
Janne Saksala, Double bass
Lars Anders Tomter, Viola
Stian Carstensen, Accordion
(Die) Forelle Franz Schubert, Composer
Antti Siirala, Piano
Benjamin Schmid, Violin
Erik Sollid, Hardanger fiddle
Franz Schubert, Composer
Jan Vogler, Cello
Janne Saksala, Double bass
Lars Anders Tomter, Viola
Stian Carstensen, Accordion
Fjellørreten Torgrim Sollid, Composer
Antti Siirala, Piano
Benjamin Schmid, Violin
Erik Sollid, Hardanger fiddle
Jan Vogler, Cello
Janne Saksala, Double bass
Lars Anders Tomter, Viola
Stian Carstensen, Accordion
Torgrim Sollid, Composer
Hors d'oeuvre Matthew Whittall, Composer
Antti Siirala, Piano
Benjamin Schmid, Violin
Erik Sollid, Hardanger fiddle
Jan Vogler, Cello
Janne Saksala, Double bass
Lars Anders Tomter, Viola
Matthew Whittall, Composer
Stian Carstensen, Accordion
Forelle Blue Benjamin Schmid, Composer
Antti Siirala, Piano
Benjamin Schmid, Violin
Benjamin Schmid, Composer
Erik Sollid, Hardanger fiddle
Jan Vogler, Cello
Janne Saksala, Double bass
Lars Anders Tomter, Viola
Stian Carstensen, Accordion
Epithets like ‘blithe’, ‘happy’, ‘lyrical’, ‘enchanting’ used to describe the Trout Quintet and haven’t changed over the years. The Moritzburg Festival musicians acknowledge the validity of these claims but add something more. Behind impressive technical accomplishment is a mastery of letter and spirit that cogently demonstrates the depth of their understanding and supremacy in ensemble playing. Instrumental balance is always carefully adjusted, the double bass offering a distinct but not intrusive low line. Tempi are carefully thought out too; and the playing, always rhythmically exact – as in the first (Allegro vivace), third (Presto) and last (Allegro giusto) movements – is never rigid.

Instead, the music moves with an airy fleetness and meticulously controlled dynamics. The hushed pianissimo ending to a profoundly conceived Andante is but an example of the mutations of tone colour to be experienced. In these circumstances, it may be invidious to single out pianist Antti Siirala, but his probing leadership cannot be overstated. All repeats are played, including the one in the finale usually omitted. Its presence enhances the stature of both movement and work.

The icing on this cake is the ingenious fill-up entitled ‘Trout Variations’, Schubert’s theme arranged for cello, double bass and piano followed by three variations very much for our time. Inventive and captivatingly crafted cameos they are too. I lean towards Forelle Blue as much for content as for the sheer virtuosity of Benjamin Schmid and Stian Carstensen, both attributes forming a fulfilling end to a most desirable disc.

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