Schumann: Piano Quintet, Andante & Variations, Fantasiestucke; Martha Argerich

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
This Schumann program, recorded live, features two quintets and two duos, including one of his most popular works, the Piano Quintet, and one of his most obscure, the Andante and Variations for two pianos, two cellos, and horn. The performances here, by eight great players with towering personalities who will go to any length to bring out and underline character, contrast, and expression, are technically stunning, tonally gorgeous, and emotionally voluptuous. This is Schumann played with rapturous romantic ardor and great freedom rather than poetic tenderness, inwardness, and restraint. The fast movements are wild and tempestuous, the slow ones languidly dreamy; dynamics range from whispers to explosions; rhythmic liberties and tempo changes are extreme. However, there is no doubt that all these excesses represent a genuine response to the music, not a striving for cheap external effect.

Martha Argerich, who participates in every piece, puts her inimitable stamp on all of them, but always as an equal partner. Only in the Variations with their predominant piano parts (Schumann actually recast them for two pianos) does she seize and enjoy the opportunity for soloistic abandon. The cello version of the Fantasy Pieces with Natalia Gutman and the Fairy Tale Pictures with Nabuko Imai are extremely free, with lots of lingering, speeding up, and slowing down, but the playing evokes a fantastic, spooky fairyland atmosphere, going from hesitant and wistful to jaunty and exuberant. The lovely final Fairy Tale is both a lullaby and a valediction, its hauntingly beautiful melody drifting away into sleep and dreams. --Edith Eisler

Tracks:

Brandenbutg Concerto No.3 In G First Movement
Overture No.3 In D Second Movement
Violin Concerto In E First Movement
Prelude In C minor
Jesu Bleibet Meine Freude (Chorus From Cantata No.147)
Overture No.2 In B minor Minuet And Badinerie
Oboe Concerto In D minor Second Movement
Brandenburg Concerto No.4 In G Third Movement
Musical Offering - Fuga canonica
Easter Oratorio - Overture
Minuet In D minor
Kommst Du Nun, Jesu, Vom Himmel herunter(From Choral Prelude BWV 650
Brandenburg Concerto No.1 In F Second Movement
Art Of The Fugue - Contrapunctus 9
Concerto For Flute, Violin, Harpsichord And Strings. Triple Concerto - Third Movement
Overture No.4 In D - Réjouissance
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Water Music - Alla Hornpipe
Xerxes - Ombra Mai Fu (Largo)
Messiah - And The Glory Of The Lord
Concerto Grosso In A Minor, Op. 6, No. 4 - Larghetto Affettuoso
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 4 Allegro
Water Music - Air
Messiah - For Unto Us A Child Is Born
Concerto Grosso In B flat, Op. 3, No. 2 - Largo
Salomon - Sinfonia, Act 3
The Choice Of Hercules - While For Thy Arms
Water Music - Allegro (Suite No. 1)
Suite No. 5 In E - Air With Variations
Jephtha - How Dark, O Lord
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 5 Alla Siciliana - Presto
Mi Palpita Il Cor (Solo Cantata) S'un Di M'adora
Water Music - Andante Allegro Da Capo
Concerto for Trumpet & Orchestra in E-flat: First Movement
Symphony No. 94 in G: Surprise Symphony-second movement
Concerto for Violin No. 2 in D: Third Movement
Flute Trio No. 31 in G: Second Movement
Symphony No. 31 in D: Hornsignal-First Movement
String Quartet No. 17 in F, Op. 3, no. 5: Serenade Quartet-Second Movement
Sinfonia Concertante in B-flat for Violin, Cello, Oboe, Bassoon and Orchestra-Third Movement
Concerto for 2 Horns & Orchestra in E-flat: Second Movement
Symphony No. 88 in G: Fourth Movement
String Quartet No. 77 in C: Kaiser Quartet-Poco adagio cantabile
Notturno No. 1 in C: Second Movement
Symphony No. 98 in B: Londoner No. 4-Fourth Movement
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - first movement
Piano Concerto in A - second movement
Flute Concerto in D - Rondeau
Serenade - Minuet
Violin Concerto - first movement
Symphony No. 40 in G minor - first movement
Clarinet Concerto - second movement
Turkish March
Divertimento - Minuet
Horn Concerto No. 3 in E-flat - first movement
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67-First Movement
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27, no. 2: Moonlight Sonata-First Movement
Overture
O welche Lust (Prisoners' Chorus)
Ha, welch ein Augenblick (Pizarros's Aria)
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: Second Movement
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 61: Third Movement
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13: Pathétique-Second Movement
Sympony No. 6 in F, Op. 68: Pastorale-First Movement
Fantasy for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra in C minor, Op. 80: Choral Fantasy - Finale
German Dance No. 1 In C
Impromptu Op. 90, No. 3 In G-Flat
Heidenroslein
Ave Maria
Der Lindenbaum
Quintet In A 'Trout Quintet' - Andante
Mass No. 6 In E-Flat - Kyrie
Die Schone Mullerin Des Mullers Blumen
German Dance No. 2 In G
Piano Sonata In B-Flat
Nachtgesang Im Walde
Winterreise - No. 15: Die Krahe
German Mass - Zum Sanctus (Heilit, Heilig Ist Der Herr)
Symphony No. 8 In B Minor 'Unfinished' - Second Movement
Waltz No. 1 in E-flat, Op. 18 Grande Valse brillante
Nocturne in E-flat, Op. 9, no. 2
Etude in G-flat, Op. 10, no. 5
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21-Second Movement
Mazurka in D minor, Op. 33, no. 2
Prelude in D-flat, Op. 28, no. 15 Raindrop
Etude in C, Op. 10, no. 1
Nocturne in D-flat, Op. 27, no. 2
Impromptu No. 4 in C-sharp minor, Op. 66 Fantasy Impromptu
Scherzo in B minor, Op. 20
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35-Third Movement
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor - first movement 113.String Seranade - Waltz
Violin Concerto - second movement
The Sleeping Beauty - Waltz
Capriccio Italien, Op. 45
Swan Lake - Waltz
Eugene Onegin - Polonaise
The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers
Orchestral Suite No. 4 - Mozartiana - Third Movement
Swan Lake - Dance of the Swans
Symphony No. 6 in B minor - Pathétique - Third Movement
Hungarian Dance No.5
Lullaby
Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op. 68 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in E-flat, Op.117, no. 1
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 77 - Third Movement
Waltz, Op. 39, no. 15
Concert for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in B-flat, Op. 83 - Second Movement
String Quintet in G, Op. 111 - Second Movement
Symphony No.4 in E minor, Op. 98 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in A minor, Op. 76, no. 7
Hungarian Dance No.1 in G minor
German Requiem Selig sind die Toten (Final Chorus)
Die Fledermaus - Overture
Kaiser Waltz, Op.437
Thunder And Lightning Polka, Op. 324
Roses From The South Waltz, Op. 388
AnnenPolka, Op. 117
Vienna Blood Waltz, Op. 354
Eljen A Magyar Polka, Op. 332
Wine, Women and Song Waltz, Op. 333
On The Beautiful Blue Danube Waltz, Op. 134
Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg - Overture
Tannhauser - Die Pilger sind's (Pilgims' Chorus)
Tannhauser - O du mein holder Abendstern (Wolfram's Aria)
Lohengrin - Act 3 Prelude and Bridal Chorus
The Flying Dutchman - Jo-ho-he Traft ihr das Schiff (Senta's Ballad)
The Flying Dutchman - Steuermann, lass die Wacht (Sailors' Chorus)
Die Walkure - Wintersturme wichen dem Wonnemond (Siegmund's Aria)
Die Walkure - Ride of the Valkyries
Siegfried Hoho! Hoho! Hohei! Schmiede mein Hammer (Siegfried's Forging Song)
Tristan und Isolde - Liebestod
Thus sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 (excerpt)
Don Juan, Op. 20
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64, I.Nacht
Don Quixote, Op.35, first movement: Introduction
Salome, Op. 54, Dance Of The Seven Veils
Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59, Finale: Hab' mir's gelobt ihn lieb zu haben
Piano Concerto 2 In C minor, Op. 18 - First Movement
Vocalise, Op.34, No. 14
Prelude In G Sharp minor, Op. 32, No. 12
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G minor, Op. 40 - Third Movement
Symphony No. 2 In E minor, Op. 27 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F sharp minor, Op. 1 - Second Movement
Rhapsody, Op. 43 On A Theme By Paganini
Hungarian Rhapsody No.2
Liebestraum No.3 in A-flat
Piano Concerto No.1 in E-flat - third movement
Angelus
Mephisto Waltz No.1 (Dance in a Village Tavern)
Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H
Dante Symphony - Finale. - Purgatorio - Magnificat
Les Préludes
Boléro
Daphnis et Chloé first movement: Nocturne
Rhapsodie Espagnole
Shéhérazade - first movement: Asie
Ma Mère l'Oye - fourth movement: La Belle et la Bête
Introduction and Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet, and String Quartet
La Valse
Slavic Dance No. 1 in C, Op. 46, no.1
Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 'From the New World' - second movement
Humoresque, Op. 101
Slavic Dance No. 8 in G minor, Op. 46, no. 8
Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 22 - second movement
Romance for Violin and Orchestra In F minor, Op. 11
Symphony No. 7 in D minor - third movement
Melodie (Songs My Mother Taught Me)
Carneval Overture, Op. 92
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in B minor, Op. 104 - third movement
Symphony No.4 In A, Op. 90. Italian - First Movement
Frühlingslied In A, Op. 62, No. 6
Wedding March (From A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op.61)
Duetto In F, Op.30, No.6 (From Songs Without Words)
String Symphony No.9 In C. Schweitzer Symphony - Third Movement
Concerto For Violin, Piano And String Orchestra No. 1 In D minor - Second Movement
Symphony No.3 In A minor, Op.56 Scottish - Third Movement"
Notturno (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Rondo Capriccioso, Op.14
String Symphony No. 12 In G minor - First Movement
Venetian Gondola Song In F Sharp minor, Op.30, No.6
Scherzo (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Violin Concerto In E minor, Op.64 - Third Movement
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op. 46 - Morgenstimmung
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - I. Prelude. Allegro vivace
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - IV. Air. Andante religioso
Arietta, Op. 12, no. 1
Homage March from Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op. 56
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Solveig's Song
Wedding Day at Troldhauen, Op. 65, no. 6
The Last Spring, Op. 34, no. 2
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op 46 - Anitra's Dance
Nordic Melody Op. 63
Notturno, Op. 54, no. 4
Elegie, Op. 47, no. 5
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Arabic Dance
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 - Allegro
Symphony No. 3 in E flat, Op. 97 - Rhenish - first movement
Traumerai (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)
Mondnacht (from Eichendorff-Liederkreis, Op. 39)
Aufschwung (from Fantasietucke, Op. 12)
Triolett, Op. 114, no. 2
Tanzlied (No. 1 from Duets, Op. 78)
Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120 - second movement
Frühlingsgruss
Abschied (from Waldszenen Op. 82)
Dichterliebe, Op. 48 - Im wunderschonen Monat Mai
Manfred Overture, Op. 115
Romance in F sharp, Op. 28, no. 2
Die Rose stand im Tau
Liebesgarten (from Four Duets, Op. 34)
Warum? (from Fantasiestucke, Op. 12)
Kennst du das Land, Op.79, no. 29 (from Lieder der Mignon, Op. 98a)
Von fremden Landern und Menschen (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)

Album Description

An extraordinary 20-CD collection of great works by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Ravel, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, J. Strauss, R. Strauss, Schumann, Wagner, Dvorak, Grieg and Liszt. It also features worldrenowned artists such as Sir Neville Marriner, Martha Argerich, Ivo Pogorelich, Hermann Prey, Reiner Goldberg, Sylvia Sass, Jochen Kowalski, Peter Schreler and many more. This exquisite, copper metallic, deluxe boxed set is the perfect gift for the classical music neophyte.

Customer Reviews:

Mill. Classical review.......2007-05-13

This is a great set of recordings for the money, the only problem was I've had to clean some of the CD's before they played correctly.

classical music for the unitiated.......2007-04-01

This set is a good way to start listening to classical music. It's very well produced and easy to listen to. I purchased it to use as part of my world history high school class. It would have been nice to have some bio information on the composers. However, the product is exactly as advertised and good value for the money. The students were intrigued by how many of the excerpts they had heard before.

Some little gems there that I had forgotten!.......2007-03-30

Although I studied classical music at school, I had all but forgotten it until I bought this set. I heard several tracks I haven't heard for over 30 years, and I had been humming Brahms's 'Hungarian Dance no. 5' for years without ever knowing what it was and it was on the disc, so that was nice.

I found it to be a very good selection overall, but I felt too much had already been heard on TV, which of course is what lots of newcomers to classical music might appreciate. I managed to find about 2 hours of tracks that I wanted to keep, which works out quite expensive per disc, but I did find some wonderful music I had completely forgotten about, so it was worth it. All in all, it represents good value, and I have only knocked one star off as so much of it had been used in adverts.

It is definitely a good introduction to classical music, and it has made me want to listen to more of it, so I don't regret this 'expensive' purchase one bit!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

A very helpful collection.......2007-03-24

I define this set as an excellent way to find out who you like, and who you don't, among 20 of the important composers. It opens the door to purchasing more complete pieces by composers you do like, and can save a lot of time and money in the process.
To criticize the set for not containing more composers, or more than just snippets of those who are in the set, is missing the point: it is a helpful introduction to finding your way in the huge maze of classical music. It succeeds admirably in this.
Sound quality is uniformly very good on an audiophile system.
Highly recommended.

Excellent!.......2007-03-08

A great way to start a classical music collection. It's nice to have a full CD of each composer. It makes it easy to keep track of selections/composers I already have and what composers I still need to puchase to complete my collection.

Average customer rating:

Stories Of Schumann And Grieg

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Story Of Chopin In Words And Music
The Story of Schubert
The Story Of Brahms
Mendelssohn In Words And Music
The Story of Mozart

ASIN: B000001KCV
Release Date: 1995-04-16

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 In E-flat Major, Op. 97: 'Rhenish' - Lebhaft
Andante And Variations In B-Flat Major
Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13
Toccata In C Major, Op. 7
Kreisleriana, Op. 16
Piano Concerto In A Minor, Op. 54: Allegro Vivace
Carnaval, Op. 9
'Dedication', Op. 25/1
Symphony No. 4 in D Minor, Op. 120: Introduction - Vivace
Papilons, Op. 2
Op. 25-3: 'The Nut Tree'
Symphony No. 3 In E-flat Major, Op. 97: 'Rhenish' - Lebhaft-Schneller
Piano Quintet In E-flat Major, Op. 44: Allegro ma non troppo
Piano Concerto In A Minor, Op. 54: Allegro affettuoso
Carnaval, Op. 9: Waltz
Album For The Young, Op. 68: The Merry Farmer
Scenes From Childhood, Op. 15: Dreams
Cello Concerto In A Minor, Op. 129: Nicht au schnell
Symphony No. 3 In E-flat Major, Op. 97: 'Rhenish' - Feierlich
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46, No 1
Lyric Suite, Op. 54-2: Norwegian Rustic Dance
Op. 12 No. 4: Elf Dance
Op. 35, No. 1: Norwegian Dances
Elegiac Melodies
Op. 64, No. 4: Symphonic Dances
Op. 35, No. 2: Norwegian Dances
Op. 5-3: 'I Love Thee'
Op. 43, No. 1: Butterfly
Op. 65, No. 6: Wedding Day At Troldhaugen
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46, No. 3: Anitra's Dance
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55, No. 4: Solveig's Song
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46, No. 4: In The Hall Of The Mountain King
Piano Concerto In A Minor, Op. 16: Allegro moderato; Allegro marcato
Holberg Suite, Op. 40: Prelude: Allegro vivace
Lyric Suite, Op. 54, No. 3: Dance Of The Dwarfs
Homage To Chopin
Sigurd Jorsalfar Suite, Op. 56, No. 3: Homage March
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: Morning Mood
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: The Death Of Aase
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: Anitra's Dance
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: In The Hall Of The Mountain King
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55: III The Return Of Peer Gynt
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55: IV Solveig's Song

Average customer rating:

High praise, coming from a Jando detractor, but with a caveat...
A wonderful CD
Intellectual and Artistic Exercises of the Highest Order
You Must Buy This CD (Period)
Distinguished Accounts of Both Works

Schumann, Brahms: Piano Quintets
Robert Schumann , Jeno Jando , Christiane Edinger , and Johannes Brahms
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Dvorak: Piano Quintet, Op. 81/ String Quartet, Op. 51
Antonin Dvorak: Quintet For Piano, 2 Violins, Viola And Cello, Op. 81/Quartet For Piano, Violin, Viola And Cello,Op.
Franz Schubert: Complete Trios
Franck: Quintet in Fm; Chausson: String quartet in Cm
Schumann: Op. Nos. 44 & 47

ASIN: B0000013QU
Release Date: 1993-03-16

Tracks:

Quintet For Two Violins, Viola, Cello And Piano In E Flat Major, Op.44: Allegro Brilliante
Quintet For Two Violins, Viola, Cello And Piano In E Flat Major, Op.44: In Modo D'Una Marcia. Un Poco Largamente
Quintet For Two Violins, Viola, Cello And Piano In E Flat Major, Op.44: Scherzo: Molto Vivace - Trio I - Trio II - L'Istesso Tempo
Quintet For Two Violins, Viola, Cello And Piano In E Flat Major, Op.44: Allegro, Ma Non Troppo
Quintet For Two Violins, Viola, Cello And Piano In F Minor, Op.34: Allegro Non Troppo
Quintet For Two Violins, Viola, Cello And Piano In F Minor, Op.34: Andante, Un Poco Adagio
Quintet For Two Violins, Viola, Cello And Piano In F Minor, Op.34: Scherzo: Allegro - Trio
Quintet For Two Violins, Viola, Cello And Piano In F Minor, Op.34: Finale: Poco Sostenuto - Allegro Non Troppo - Presto, Non Troppo

Amazon.com

Schumann's Piano Quintet has always been one of his most beloved pieces of chamber music, and Brahms's was one of his first great musical successes. Neither composer ever explored the medium again, so the two works make a very logical coupling. Alone among major labels today, Naxos seems dedicated to creating a truly comprehensive catalogue of chamber music recordings, and even more importantly, to keeping them in print long enough for music lovers to explore their musical riches. In artists like the Kodaly Quartet and Jeno Jando, they have musicians of as fine a caliber as you will find anywhere, and at budget price you can go crazy. And you should. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

High praise, coming from a Jando detractor, but with a caveat..........2006-06-12

Typically, I'm not a Jeno Jando fan. I find his Beethoven Appassionata absolutely dispassionate. I readily acknowledge his unsurpassed technique, but usually find him cold a la Brendel.

So imagine my surprise when I listened to the recordings of these two works. Kodaly keeps Jando honest, and the pianist shines, occasionally even turning the piano into a percussive instrument. (Imagine that!)

The Schumann Quintet sparkles with invention and passion. I can find scant room for improvement in the rendition given.

As to the Brahms, this is where the meat of this CD lies. The performance is full of depth, despair, and the ensemble they create is outstanding. Furthermore, the stresses given in critical passages by the strings are brilliant. It may not quite equal the brilliance of the famed Pollini recording, but I believe it pulls even with the Philips disc in terms of unspeakable passion.

All this is marred by one unforgivable omission: the first movement repeat. This mistake is glaring, throwing the balance of the movement off completely. Considering that the running time of the disc is slightly under 1:07 and modern CDs are rated to 1:20, there is no suitable excuse.

So, while it is one of the best DDD recordings of this monstrous work, be forewarned about that problem.

A wonderful CD.......2005-08-06

This CD contains the piano quintet that I think is the best in the world, the one by Brahms. I remember hearing this quintet numerous times during the Van Cliburn semi-finals back in the 1980's at TCU. The quartet was the Tokyo String Quartet. I could not find the Brahm's quintet by them, but the one I bought is very fine.

Intellectual and Artistic Exercises of the Highest Order.......2003-10-17

Two outstanding features of this recording: (1) The compositions themselves. These two composer friends excelled in chamber music, perhaps the most cerebral of all musical forms. What is more remarkable is the superior quality of their work - the ingenuity, originality and verve that both brought to the genre. They set the standard that others have tried to match ever since.

The two works are in turn dramatic, haunting, intense, melodic, extremely inventive - the hallmarks of mid-Romanticism. The Brahms Quintet in F Minor is one of the 19th Century Musical Cornerstones - what an accomplishment.

(2) The Kodaly Quartet is perfect for this pair in both temperament and persuasion. They are as much craftsmen as artists and this fact gives their Romantic playing such a firm basis. The Kodaly is one of the finest in the world and has been woefully underrated. (I have numerous recordings of theirs, all top notch.) Their interpretation is always correct - nothing eccentric or in left field. This is a MUST CD.

You Must Buy This CD (Period).......2001-10-13

It may be true that the best things in life are free, but there are some none-too-shabby accessories that cost only six bucks and add to the pleasure of it all. This CD is exhibit A for that little generalization. These two quintets are major, milestone pieces for both composers, and most labels are too miserly to put them together, preferring instead to attach a minor piece to each and leave it at that, hoping you'll buy both. Not so Naxos-a label that has become synonymous with quality and quantity.

Jando and the Kodaly Quartet have separately established their reputations as formidable interpreters of the Viennese and Romantic traditions: Jando with his Mozart, Beethoven, and Liszt; the Kodaly Quartet with their Haydn. Their coming together on this recording is a triumph, and I can't imagine (and certainly haven't heard) a more satisfying performance of either piece. Their playing is forthright, vigorous, and appropriately dramatic, which is entirely in keeping with the scope and scale of what Schumann and Brahms composed. The sound is rich and full, and the piano part is quite forward. I don't think Jando pushes his presence at all, but I've heard the two pieces in performance in the last year and I was surprised how comparatively understated the piano part was in both. In any case, I like, without reservation, the lack of restraint Jando and the Kodaly go for here.

As for the quintets themselves, they represent mid-nineteenth-century Romanticism at its best, and only Shostakovitch and Faure can even approach them where this genre as a whole is concerned. While it doesn't quite possess the monumental qualities of his opus 25 and 26 piano quartets, the Brahms quintet is still massively ambitious in its conception, and it seems to combine the drama of his first piano quartet with the lyrical introspection and spaciousness of the second. The work just teems with ideas: from the wild entrance of the piano part in the first movement; to one of the saddest, most beautiful andantes I've ever heard; to the expansive finale, which seems an entire work in and of itself.

I bought this CD because I wanted a copy of the Brahms quintet; however, I have to say the Schumann quintet has become the piece I listen to more than any other right now. Schumann strikes me as a brilliant but rather erratic composer, who excelled at short, thematically linked piano pieces but often struggled with longer forms. Yet there are occasions-the piano concerto, the opus 17 fantasy, and this quintet-where he created and sustained pure, uncontestable magic across the board. Unlike the Brahms, I'd never heard this quintet before, and when I did I couldn't believe how good it was. To me it seems one of the most perfect pieces ever written. The first movement has the most beautifully yearning, singing melody imaginable, while the eerie second movement shimmers with a kind of ghostly foreboding. Yet after these unforgettable moments, he somehow manages to augment and resolve everything in the scherzo and finale, without the diminution of drama that often plagues third and fourth movements. Since I've had this recording, my respect for Schumann has soared. This quintet is a composition you simply must have, and I can't think of any other way of adequately praising it. Together with the Brahms its an unbeatable listening experience. Ergo, you must buy this CD.

Distinguished Accounts of Both Works.......2001-09-12

This is another of the many Naxos' disks that are cheap in price only. Here we have distinguished performances from all involved, especially Jeno Jando, who has completed traversals of the Haydn and Beethoven sonata cycles for Naxos, as well as recorded the lion's share of other projects (such as Liszt's complete piano music) for the label. His work at the keyboard is beyond reproach: assured, dynamic, emotive. The strings give a good account of themselves as well, and all are captured in a fine, slightly recessed but very truthful recording. Not a stellar performance, perhaps, but one that is highly competitive, especially at Naxos' price.

More of the Most Romantic Classical Music in the Universe

Average customer rating:

review
Romantic Mood Music of High Level

More of the Most Romantic Classical Music in the Universe

Manufacturer: Denon Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Most Romantic Classical Music in the Universe
More Of The Most Relaxing Classical Music In The Universe
The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe
The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
The Most Relaxing Violin Music in the Universe

ASIN: B0006SSNH8
Release Date: 2005-01-11

Tracks:

Pachelbel: Canon
Mozart: Eine Klein Nachtmusik
Vieuxtemps: Violin Concerto No. 5, II. Adagio
Vieuxtemps: Violin Concerto No. 5, III. Allegro con fuoco
Debussy: Nocturne
Saint-Saens: Violin Sonata No. 1, II. Adagio
Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 1, Larghetto
Dvorak: Nocturne in G-Flat
J. Strauss: Liebeslieder Waltz
Schumann: Piano Sonata in F-sharp Minor, II. Aria
Dvorak: Symphony No. 8, II. Adagio

Tracks:

Wagner: Prelude to Act 1 of "Lohengrin"
Bach: Air on a G String
Debussy: Ballade
Elgar: Salut d'
Boccherini: Minuetto
Dvorak: Romantic Pieces Op. 75, IV. Larghetto
Yamada: Lullaby from the Chugoku Area
Taki: Moon Over Ruined Castle
Szymanowski: Violin Sonata, Andantino tranquillo e dolce
Debussy: La Plus que lente 4:27
Mendelssohn: String Quartet in F Minor
Schumann: Symphony No. 2, Adagio

Album Description

A lush collection of romantic classical favorites!

Customer Reviews:

review.......2007-03-17

Very good CD. Filled with great classical music. Would recommend to anyone.

Romantic Mood Music of High Level.......2005-11-16

Collections like this are nice as an alternative to Ipod type collections, or multi-CD shuffling, achieving a nice balance and variety of compositions.

Here gathered around "romantic" classical theme, have the likes of Dvorak, Strauss, Mozart, Pachelbel, et al. Acclaimed performances by Denon Classical catalog performers such as Jean-Pierre Rampal, David Oistrakh, etc.

For two disc set of such superb quality at such a reasonable price, this is very much a play often collection.

The Most Relaxing Chamber Music Album in the World ... Ever!

Average customer rating:

The Most Relaxing Chamber Music Album in the World ... Ever!

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Septets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Most Relaxing Cello Album in the World Ever
The Most Relaxing Harp Album in the World... Ever!
The Most Relaxing Violin Album in the World ... Ever!
The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever!
The Most Relaxing Flute Album in the World...Ever!

ASIN: B000AXWGZE
Release Date: 2005-10-04

Tracks:

String Quartet in B-Flat, Op. 76 No. 4 Sunrise - II Adagio - Franz Joseph Haydn
Cello Sonata in G Minor, Op. 65 - III Largo - Frederic Chopin
Piano Trio No. 1 in B-Flat, D.898 - II Andante, un poco mosso - Franz Schubert
Clarinet Sonata No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 120 No. 1 - II Andante un poco adagio - Johannes Brahms
String Quartet No. 17 In B-Flat, K.458 Hunt - III Adagio - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
String Quartet No. 17 In B-Flat, K.458 Hunt - III Adagio - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Sonata In E Minor, F.XVI, No. 1 - II Largo - Antonio Vivaldi
Mhenerzungen, Op. 132 - III Ruhiges Tempo, Mit Zartem Ausdruck - Robert Schumann
Sonata No. 5 For Piano & Violin In F, Op. 24 Spring - Ii Adagio Molto Espressivo - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Quintet For Piano & Winds In E-Flat, K.452 - II Larghetto - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Seven Last Words From The Cross - VII Largo - Franz Joseph Haydn

Tracks:

String Quartet In C Minor, Op. 51 No. 1 - II Romanze; Poco Adagio - Johannes Brahms
FantasiestOp. 73 - I Zart Und Mit Ausdruck - Robert Schumann
Serenade In D, Op. 8 - Adagio
Clarinet Quintet In A, K.581 - II Larghetto - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
String Quartet No. 4 In E Minor, Op. 44 No. 2 - II Andante - Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy
String Quartet, Op. 10 - III Andantino, Doucement Expressif - Claude Debussy
Violin Sonata No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 108 - II Adagio - Johannes Brahms
Quintet For Piano & Winds In E-Flat, Op. 16 - II Andante Cantabile - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet No. 1 In D, Op. 11 - II Andante Cantabile - Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Clarinet Trio In B-Flat, Op. 11 - II Adagio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet In E-Flat, D.87 - III Adagio - Franz Schubert
Serenade (Andante Cantabile) - Franz Joseph Haydn
Wiegenlied, Op. 49 No. 4 (Lullaby) - Johannes Brahms

Schumann: Piano Quintet, Andante & Variations, Fantasiestucke; Martha Argerich

Average customer rating:

Listen for "The Black Cat" theme.
Does not get better than this
Familiar and Unfamiliar Schumann Done to a Turn
The legendary Concertgebouw recordings

Schumann: Piano Quintet, Andante & Variations, Fantasiestucke; Martha Argerich
Mischa Maisky , Dora Schwarzberg , Alexandre Rabinovitch , Natalia Gutman , Nobuko Imai , and Lucia Hall
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Brahms: Sonata for 2 Pianos; Mendelssohn: Piano Trio #1; Martha Argerich
Beethoven: Triple Concerto; Schumann: Piano Concerto
Beethoven: Piano Concertos No. 2 & 3
Brahms: Piano Quartet Op. 25; Schumann: Fantasiestücke Op. 88
Prokofiev, Ravel: Piano Concertos, etc / Martha Argerich

ASIN: B00005YW4L
Release Date: 2002-06-04

Tracks:

Klavierquintett Es-dur, Op. 44: Allegro brillante
Klavierquintett Es-dur, Op. 44: In modo d'una marcia, un poco
Klavierquintett Es-dur, Op. 44: Scherzo. Molto vivace
Klavierquintett Es-dur, Op. 44: Allegro ma non troppo
Andante und Variationen, Op. 46: Sostenuto-Andante espressivo-Un poco
Andante und Variationen, Op. 46: Piu lento-Animato
Andante und Variationen, Op. 46: Doppio movimento-Tempo primo-Piu
Fantasiestucke, Op. 73: Zart und mit Ausdruck
Fantasiestucke, Op. 73: Lebhaft, leicht
Fantasiestucke, Op. 73: Rasch und mit Feuer
Marchenbilder, Op. 113: Nicht schnell
Marchenbilder, Op. 113: Lebhaft
Marchenbilder, Op. 113: Rasch
Marchenbilder, Op. 113: Langsam, mit melancholischem Ausdruck

Amazon.com

This Schumann program, recorded live, features two quintets and two duos, including one of his most popular works, the Piano Quintet, and one of his most obscure, the Andante and Variations for two pianos, two cellos, and horn. The performances here, by eight great players with towering personalities who will go to any length to bring out and underline character, contrast, and expression, are technically stunning, tonally gorgeous, and emotionally voluptuous. This is Schumann played with rapturous romantic ardor and great freedom rather than poetic tenderness, inwardness, and restraint. The fast movements are wild and tempestuous, the slow ones languidly dreamy; dynamics range from whispers to explosions; rhythmic liberties and tempo changes are extreme. However, there is no doubt that all these excesses represent a genuine response to the music, not a striving for cheap external effect.

Customer Reviews:

Listen for "The Black Cat" theme........2006-08-22

I confess that I was intersted in this more for the theme which was used in the old movie "The Black Cat" with Bela Lugosi & Boris Karloff. This recording is a great introduction to Robert Schumann chamber music. Performance is perfect in my opinion.

Does not get better than this.......2006-07-11

This Schumann album, with special thanks to Martha Argerich, quite possibly contains the best live performances of this music captured for posterity and the marvelled enjoyment of many. As far as the Piano Quintet alone is concerned, with the energy and controlled passion of its live performance, there is no equal in print.

Familiar and Unfamiliar Schumann Done to a Turn.......2005-08-06

Fine, fine performances of a Schumann standard and a wonderful Schumann rarity. I won't say that the Quintet plays itself, but there are enough fail-safe elements--winning melodies, high drama in the slow movement, and that famous double fugue in the finale--that if you're a group of musicians with a high level of proficiency, you can produce a decent interpretation of this music. In fact, I haven't heard a bad performance on disc. But this one by Chang and Company is certainly among the best I've heard. The playing is predictably superb, but then the interpretation captures all those famous felicities just about to perfection. And in the fast movements there is the special abandon that often takes over in live performance, here creating thrilling results rather than merely frenetic ones.

But the main reason to get this disc is for the Schumann Andante Variations. I have never heard or even heard mention of a performance in either of my two cities, Atlanta and Philadelphia, in the 30 or so years I've been interested in such matters. The main problem, I guess, is bringing together two fine pianists and cellists PLUS two horn players capable of bringing off Schumann's ripely romantic gestures. There's not a lot for the string and brass players to do all the time, but when called on, they have to produce, especially the horn players. This is lovely music, maybe even more at the core of what Schumann is all about than the Quintet, with its formal structure and classic mien. This performance is certainly about the best I've heard on disc.

The only letdown, a small one, is that the live recording is a bit dry and clinical. This is more evident in the Quintet for some reason than in the Andante and Variations. And it doesn't seriously detract from the many musical joys on display.

The legendary Concertgebouw recordings.......2005-05-10

As Martha Argerich approached her peak years, she shifted her focus from her legendary, firery solo recitals to the more 'relaxed' group experience of chamber music. And judging from this CD (and her Brahms /Mendelssohn live recording also on EMI), she seems to emensely enjoy it. This CD is recorded live at the Concertgebouw, Holland, in 1994 with several musical friends including Misha Maisky and - along with its companion pieces on another disc - remains a landmark recording. The Amazon reviewer summarized things quite well above. The music here is alive and vibrant, ranging from full-out playing from the Argentinian in the Quintet's final two movements to her graceful support role in the other, haughtingly lovely chamber pieces.

The Schumann Quintet is a splendid example of Martha's versatile pianism where she maintains throughout a lively propulsion forward that one would expect from Ms. Argerich. Penguin Guide says Argerich's performance of the quintet is "the most dynamic and interesting on disc" - which is not hard to believe listening to this spirited and most enjoyable live performance. The Quintet is Schumann's finest chamber composition and, along with the quintets of Dvorak and Brahms, achieves masterpiece status in the repertoire. I cannot say I was thrilled with the sound ambiance here which is clear and full but lacks the richness and depth of tonality of modern recordings. But, thankfull, there is virtually no audience noise in this live recording, except some well-deserved applause at the end.

The other Schumann chamber works featuring horn, cello and viola are wonderfully rich in tone, relaxed in tempo and curiously eclectic at times as Schumann can be. The two cello solists bring sensuous, musically-rich playing against Argerich's smooth and expressive piano foundation. For VIOLA fans, the alluring and somewhat rare viola and piano sonata (Op. 113) features soaring lines from Ms. Imai's beautifully sounding viola. The duo-piano piece is also marvelous. Throughout these performances one gets the sense that Martha and friends are completely at one with the music, wonderfully in synch with each other and truly enjoying the moment - all of which leads to a memorable performance. Here is a really different Martha Argerich as compared to the dynamic soloist in her legendary recitals - but one no less able to bring the sense of drama and anticipation to the music she is known for. Also, her live performance of Brahms' "Quintet" (for piano duo, Op. 34b) and Mendelssohn's piano trio #1 also on EMI is equally satisfying and highly recommended. Both live recordings give you a sense of being right in the front row of the action and witnessing great music by great musicians.

Average customer rating:

Romantic Strings (25)

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

25 Romantic Moods
25 Romantic Classics
Sentimental Favorites (25)
Symphony (25) Favorites
Candlelight Favorites (25)

ASIN: B0000058I9
Release Date: 1996-08-20

Tracks:

Concerto In B-Flat For 2 Violins, Strings & Harpsichord, RV 524: II. Andante
Lullaby
Violin Concerto No. 4 In D, K. 218: III. Rondo-Andante grazioso
Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Beginning
Serenade for Strings in E, Op. 22: I. Moderato
Lohengrin: Prelude to Act III
Violin Concerto No. 6 In G Minor: II. Adagio
Ave Maria
Ancient Airs & Dances: Italiana
Coppelia: Waltz
Orpheus In The Underworld: Waltz
Les Patineurs: Pas de trois
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
Menuet Celebre
Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14
Of Holberg's Days, Op. 40: I. Prelude
Traumerei, Op. 15 No. 7
Serenade For Strings, Op. 48: II. Waltz
Badinerie
Hungarian Dance No. 1
Concerto Grosso No. 6 In G Minor: II. A tempo giusto
The Four Seasons: Winter, II. Largo
Violin Concerto No. 2 In A Minor, BMV 1041: III. Allegro assai
Spanish Dance No. 6, Op. 23: Zapateado
24 Caprices For Solo Violin, Op. 1: Tema con variazioni

Average customer rating:

So Smart - Sleepytime

Manufacturer: So Smart Productions
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Children's Music | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Baby Mozart
Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics

Product Features:

SLEEPYTIME CD

ASIN: B00005AREK
Release Date: 2000-01-18

Tracks:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Serenade in G Major: Eine Kleine Nachtmusik K. 525 Romanze
Alexis Contant: Mtation
Giovanni Battista Pescetti: Sonata in C minor, Andantine Expressivo
Jacques Offenbach: Belle Nuit
Robert Schumann: Trerei
Carlos Salzedo: Quietude
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Quintet in A Major for Clarinet, 2 Violins, Viola and Violoncello KV 581 Larghetto
Robert Schuman: Des Abends from from Fantasiesticke
Antonio Vivaldi: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in F Major The Seasons, Winter, Second Movement, Largo
Claude Debussy: Rrie
Carlos Salzedo: I Wonder as I Wander
El Testament de N'Amelia (Lady Amelia's Testament) (Catalonian Song)
Candel Lladre (The Robber's Song) (Catalonian Song)

Product Description

Classical music for babies

Average customer rating:

Stunning album of Schumann's chamber music

Schumann: Chamber Music

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000002RVK
Release Date: 1996-01-16

Tracks:

Klavierquintett Es -dur,Op.44: I: Allegro brillante
Klavierquintett Es -dur,Op.44: II: In modo d'una marcia, un poco largamente
Klavierquintett Es -dur,Op.44: III: Scherzo. Molto vivace
Klavierquintett Es -dur,Op.44: IV: Allegro ma non troppo
Andante und Variationen,op.46: Sostenuto - Andante expressivo - Un poco piu animato - Piu animato
Klavierquintett Es -dur,Op.44: Piu lento - Animato
Klavierquintett Es -dur,Op.44: Doppio movimento - Tempo Primo - Piu adagio
Klavierquartett Es - dur,Op.47: I: Sostenuto assai - Allegro ma non troppo
Klavierquartett Es - dur,Op.47: Scherzo.Molto vivace
Klavierquartett Es - dur,Op.47: Andante cantabile
Klavierquartett Es - dur,Op.47: Finale.Vivace

Tracks:

Fantasiestucke, Op.73: I: Zart und mit Ausdruck
Fantasiestucke, Op.73: II: Lebhaft, leich
Fantasiestucke, Op.73: III: Rasch und mit feuer
Adagio und Allegro, Op.70: I: Langsam, mit innigem Ausdruck
Adagio und Allegro, Op.70: Rasch und mit Feurig
Marchenbilder, Op.113: I: Nicht schnell
Marchenbilder, Op.113: II: Lebhaft
Marchenbilder, Op.113: III: Rasch
Marchenbilder, Op.113: IV: Langsam,mit melancholisschem Ausdruck
Violin Sonata No.2 In D Minor, Op.121: I: Ziemlich langsam, kurt und energisch - Lebhaft
Violin Sonata No.2 In D Minor, Op.121: II: Sehr Lebhaft
Violin Sonata No.2 In D Minor, Op.121: III: Leise, einfach
Violin Sonata No.2 In D Minor, Op.121: IV: Bewegt

Customer Reviews:

Stunning album of Schumann's chamber music.......2000-02-10

Taken from live concerts, by Martha Argerich and friends, in Holland, this is an exquisite collection of chamber music by Schumann.

A must-have for chamber music fans looking for Schumann's works. Rarely do you hear the ardor and high level of performance that you have here, along with the electricity of live performances by some of the best players today. A knockout set.