Thibaud, Casals & Cortot Perform Haydn, Beethoven & Schubert

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
These recordings of the trio consisting of Alfred Cortot, Pablo Casals, and Jacques Thibaud, three of the greatest musicians of the 20th century, were made in 1926 and 1927. So the style of playing may seem dated to some, and others may have qualms about vintage sound. Fear not, though; the performances are full of insight and vitality, and Ward Marston's amazing transfers make them sound freshly scrubbed. The minimal surface noise shouldn't deter; it's the price for pristine highs such as those we hear in the natural sound of Thibaud's sweet, singing violin in the andante cantabile movement of the Haydn. The odd Beethoven work is masterly, too, with a gravely expressive introduction and a fun-filled set of variations made to order for the three virtuosos. The big work here is the Schubert Trio, in which this ensemble continues to amaze with their flawless phrasing and emotional commitment. Their phrasing of the Andante's gorgeous theme will melt your heart. These classic performances should be in every collection, and they're irresistible at Naxos's budget price. --Dan Davis

Thibaud, Casals & Cortot Perform Haydn, Beethoven & Schubert, Music, Pablo Casals, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Joseph Haydn, Franz Schubert, Alfred Cortot, Jacques Thibaud, Chamber, Chamber Music & Recitals, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Trio for Keyboard and Two String Instruments

Great Recordings of the Century: Beethoven "Archduke" Piano Trio and Schubert Piano Trio in B flat
Average customer rating:

A treasure for all time.

Amusing golden musical treasures!

Good music, bad sound quality

The joy of pure music making!

The greatest of all trios

Great Recordings of the Century: Beethoven "Archduke" Piano Trio and Schubert Piano Trio in B flat
Cortot-Thibaud-Casals Trio
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Great Recordings Of The Century - Beethoven: Triple Concerto; Brahms: Double Concerto / Oistrakh, Rostropovich, Richter

Casals Edition - Beethoven: Complete Cello Sonatas

Great Recordings Of The Century - Schubert: Die Schone Mullerin / Fischer-Dieskau, Moore

Great Recordings Of The Century - Dinu Lipatti

Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 12

ASIN: B00000K4FL
Release Date: 1999-09-14

Tracks:

Piano Trio In B Flat, Op.97 'Archduke': I: Allegro moderato
Piano Trio In B Flat, Op.97 'Archduke': II: Scherzo (Allegro) & Trio
Piano Trio In B Flat, Op.97 'Archduke': III: Andante cantabile ma pero moto
Piano Trio In B Flat, Op.97 'Archduke': IV: Allegro moderato
Piano Trio No.1 In B Flat, D.898: I: Allegro moderato
Piano Trio No.1 In B Flat, D.898: II: Andante un poco mosso
Piano Trio No.1 In B Flat, D.898: III: Scherzo (Allegro) & Trio
Piano Trio No.1 In B Flat, D.898: IV: Rondo (Allegro vivace - Presto)

Amazon.com essential recording

More than 70 years have passed since the Cortot-Thibaud-Casals trio waxed the Schubert B flat and Beethoven Archduke trios. Both recordings were hailed as classics in the early days of electrical recording and have enjoyed numerous incarnations on LP and CD. Even if you already own these performances, you honestly haven't heard them until you experience these new restorations. The effect is not unlike washing your eyeglasses. All the surface snap, crackle, and swish has been tamed, but more room tone emerges along with long-buried, intermingling overtones from all three instruments. There's more tempo fluctuation than modern ears may be accustomed to, along with Thibaud's slippery portamentos. Yet these devices are channeled toward specific expressive ends. Mannered they may seem, but indulgent, never. And listeners used to Cortot's freewheeling approach to solo repertoire will be surprised at how much he behaves himself in a chamber music context. Write, petition, call, beg, cajole, do anything to induce EMI to bring out the remainder of this trio's recorded output in equally amazing transfers. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

A treasure for all time........2006-10-30

These performances have stood the test of time, without relying on dazzling virtuosity or technique, or reaching for effect. Nothing but affectionate musicianship.

Amusing golden musical treasures!.......2004-08-24

No matter if the sound is not the best . You and me know the meaning of these recordings . The pleasure of enjoying such trio with this giant trio Thibaud , Cortot and Casals makes you soon forget the delightful sound of DDD for instance .
The Archiduke is plenty of soverignity . However I rather prefer the recording of 1960 with Casals (84) , Vegh and Horszowski .
Nevertheless this commented version is much more lyrical than the sixties . Thibaud with his flamboyant and nuance vibrato literally sings all along the work , Casals is the real master and commander in this performing and Cortot knows how enter with his cantabile without forcing or shade the principal voice .
The Schubert trio is anthological . To me it was the best recording till that overwhelming version of Stern , Istomin and Rose . You may well consider both of them as one two winners in all the discography .
This album is really a treasure file .
Casals was the most gifted musician - plenty of commitment and mercurial magnetism - in all the XX century . He was the Midas musician for excellence!

Good music, bad sound quality.......2004-02-26

This is indeed wonderful music and they do it right. The Schubert Trio No 1 is clearly played better than the Archduke. You can feel on piece that they really enjoy playing together.
The only drawback, which I find quite anoying, is the sound quality which is close to terrible. If you listen to it through headphones, the noise becomes overwhelming. It definitely worths as a document, not clear if it worths as a music record.

The joy of pure music making!.......2003-09-29

To me, this is what music making is all about.

The performance of Archduke on this disc is so loyal, so friendly, so charming and so so musical that one feels as though they are sitting down for an intimate exchange with the Old World herself.

Enjoy!

The greatest of all trios.......2003-09-29

When Alfred Cortot, Jaques Thibaud and Pablo Casals formed their trio in 1905, their intention was simply to make music together as three friends, each with a very busy solo career to maintain. They became, for reasons which the present recordings make very clear, THE trio. It was indeed fortunate that, after twenty years of their performing for one month out of each year together, the Gramophone Company persuaded them to commit a small representative selection of their repertoire to the new medium of "electrical" recording, introduced in 1925. It was this new medium which made the recording of chamber music viable for the first time.

The first recording to be made was also the best: the legendary Schubert trio Op. 99. Not only did it have the very real advantage of being recorded in London's Kingsway Hall, but the Cortot-Thibaud-Casals trio over twenty years had obviously made the piece their own. Of all the performances they committed to wax, this was the only one to be recorded without any re-taking. This means that the first "take" of each 4 minute side was the one that was released. This was certainly not true for Beethoven's "Archduke", which required many takes for a number of the sides. Clearly, they found this piece more difficult to penetrate.

The characteristics of this trio which made them great - far greater as chamber musicians than, for example, great virtuosi such as Heifetz, Rubinstein and Feuermann (who also recorded as a trio) - were their exemplary sense of give and take, their expressive range and their miraculous rhythmic flexibility. Just listen to Thibaud's marvellous tone in the slow movement of the Schubert - his use of vibrato ranges all the way from none (the very last note!) to continuous expressive vibrato where it's warranted. Casals plays sthe cello in every style possible, from non-vibrato "continuo" style to the expressive manner befitting the soloist. Both string players are not shy of portamenti, so uncommon in our modern clinical age, but to them (and probably to Schubert and Beethoven) an essential expressive device. Cortot is the glue that binds it all together. The wonderful flexibility displayed by each player also underscores another characteristic of this trio - a real sense of the music's structure and design. Clearly, these players knew each part of these trios, and not only their own.

Just listen to this particular transfer: the Kingsway Hall (Schubert) sounds marvellous and the tone of Cortot's piano (a beautiful instrument, impeccably tuned, by the way) is pure magic. The ear adjusts quickly to the recorded sounds of 1926 and 1928. There are innumerable features which make this recording great and it's futile to attempt to list them there. Much better to invest in a copy instead. If I were attempting to demonstrate great musicianship to a younger student, in ways that cannot be conveyed in words, I'd simply play them this recording of the Schubert. It speaks for itself and it's no accident that it has never been out of circulation since 1926.

The Archduke trio also provides compelling music making, although the sound (not recorded in the Kingsway, unfortunately) is not as good as that of the Schubert of two years before. Actually, for my money, part of the problem is with the work itself - it just doesn't seem to have the same tightness and unity as the Schubert. Cortot is also a little more prone to his famous penchant for hitting wrong notes, but it really doesn't matter: the music's all there.

Amazon.com

These recordings of the trio consisting of Alfred Cortot, Pablo Casals, and Jacques Thibaud, three of the greatest musicians of the 20th century, were made in 1926 and 1927. So the style of playing may seem dated to some, and others may have qualms about vintage sound. Fear not, though; the performances are full of insight and vitality, and Ward Marston's amazing transfers make them sound freshly scrubbed. The minimal surface noise shouldn't deter; it's the price for pristine highs such as those we hear in the natural sound of Thibaud's sweet, singing violin in the andante cantabile movement of the Haydn. The odd Beethoven work is masterly, too, with a gravely expressive introduction and a fun-filled set of variations made to order for the three virtuosos. The big work here is the Schubert Trio, in which this ensemble continues to amaze with their flawless phrasing and emotional commitment. Their phrasing of the Andante's gorgeous theme will melt your heart. These classic performances should be in every collection, and they're irresistible at Naxos's budget price. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Cortot, Thibaud and casals.......2003-10-02

The performances, needless to say, are simply unbeatable. The transfer, by Ward Marston, is very well done (although the Schubert sounds even fresher on the newly re-mastered "Great Recordings of the Century" version, which I have also reviewed). This release includes not only the Schubert, which is the greatest of all the Cortot, Thibaud and Casals recordings, but also the Haydn " Gypsy Rondo" trio and the Beethoven "Kakadu" Variations (recorded at the same sessions as the Schubert, but never released on 78s). At Naxos' bargain price, you should buy it. And the other releases in the series as well. Music making such as this is not heard today. It comes from a world which has gone - forever. Strongest recommendation.

One of the Richest Legacy Ever.......2003-04-22

Thibaud was amazingly colourful and this is evident from his trios here. Casals' tone here was even better than his Beethoven Sonatas. Those who grumble about "wrong notes" should take note how incisive and articulate Cortot could be. All of them are wonderful chamber musicians, plus greatest soloists. A perfect team which deserves much more attention than Heifetz/Feuermenn(Piatigorsky)/Rubinstein. The result, it's a full orchestra instead of a trio that we find from here: what else could we expect from this playing, or from such music?...

Yes, the recording is old but great music never grows outdated, the least of all thee playing of these soloists. They will remain a standard that will last for generations if not forever. Even the recording/transfer is well acceptable and the price is so nice. But as Cortot's fan, one might prefer their Schumann/ Mendelssohn of the same series from Naxos if we have to choose one.

One of the Richest Legacy Ever.......2003-04-22

Thibaud was amazingly colourful and this is evident from his trios here. Casals' tone here was even better than his Beethoven Sonatas. Those who grumble about "wrong notes" should take note how incisive and articulate Cortot could be. All of them are most wonderful chamber musicians, plus greatest soloists. A perfect team which deserves much more attention than Heifetz/Feuermenn(Piatigorsky)/Rubinstein. The result, it's a full orchestra instead of a trio that we find from here: what else could we expect from this playing, or from such music?...

Customer Reviews:

Pau Casals, the great maestro!!!.......2001-09-06

This is one of the best things I have ever heard in my whole life! The great Casals performing Brahm's concerti. Maestro Pau Casals ( 1876-1973 ) was, certainly, the best musician in the twentieth century. He was, also, an incredible conductor, and a composer, too ( for example " El Pessebre").
However, in this cd, we are able to hear Mtro. Casals playing his violoncello sharing the orchestra with some of the best musicians, the french pianist and conductor: Alfred Cortot and the pianist Mieczislaw Horszovsky. This is a very interesting jewl because Cortot is conducting which is not common in the recordings. This Brahm's performance is beyond our undertsanding inasmuch as the musicians are the best ones in the history. When you hear this record, you will agree. I do not write down a lot because I think the names in this cd are more than sufficient.

Average customer rating:

Franz Schubert: Chamber Music

Manufacturer: Andante
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Beethoven: String Quartets

ASIN: B00009PJQL
Release Date: 2003-06-03

Tracks:

Piano Trio No. 1 in B-flat Major, D.898, Op. posth. 99 31:30: I. Allegro moderato
Piano Trio No. 1 in B-flat Major, D.898, Op. posth. 99 31:30: II. Andante un poco mosso
Piano Trio No. 1 in B-flat Major, D.898, Op. posth. 99 31:30: III. Scherzo and Trio
Piano Trio No. 1 in B-flat Major, D.898, Op. posth. 99 31:30: IV. Rondo: Allegro vivace
Quintet for piano and strings in A Major, "Trout", D.667, Op. 114 34:01: I. Allegro vivace
Quintet for piano and strings in A Major, "Trout", D.667, Op. 114 34:01: II. Andante
Quintet for piano and strings in A Major, "Trout", D.667, Op. 114 34:01: III. Scherzo and Trio
Quintet for piano and strings in A Major, "Trout", D.667, Op. 114 34:01: IV. Theme and Variations
Quintet for piano and strings in A Major, "Trout", D.667, Op. 114 34:01: V. Finale: Allegro giusto

Tracks:

Fantaisie for violin and piano in C Major, D.934, Op. posth. 159 21:12: I. Andante moderato
Fantaisie for violin and piano in C Major, D.934, Op. posth. 159 21:12: II. Allegretto
Fantaisie for violin and piano in C Major, D.934, Op. posth. 159 21:12: III. Andantino
Fantaisie for violin and piano in C Major, D.934, Op. posth. 159 21:12: IV. Allegro vivace
Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat Major, D.929, Op. 100 38:17: I. Allegro
Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat Major, D.929, Op. 100 38:17: II. Andante con moto
Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat Major, D.929, Op. 100 38:17: III. Scherzo and Trio
Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat Major, D.929, Op. 100 38:17: IV. Allegro moderato

Tracks:

Violin Sonata "Grand Duo" in A Major, D.574, Op. posth. 162 19:56: I. Allegro moderato
Violin Sonata "Grand Duo" in A Major, D.574, Op. posth. 162 19:56: II. Scherzo and Trio
Violin Sonata "Grand Duo" in A Major, D.574, Op. posth. 162 19:56: III. Andantino
Violin Sonata "Grand Duo" in A Major, D.574, Op. posth. 162 19:56: IV. Allegro vivace
Quintet for 2 violins, viola and 2 cellos in C Major, D.956, Op. posth. 163 44:32: I. Allegro ma non troppo
Quintet for 2 violins, viola and 2 cellos in C Major, D.956, Op. posth. 163 44:32: II. Adagio
Quintet for 2 violins, viola and 2 cellos in C Major, D.956, Op. posth. 163 44:32: III. Scherzo and Trio
Quintet for 2 violins, viola and 2 cellos in C Major, D.956, Op. posth. 163 44:32: IV. Allegretto

Tracks:

Sonatina No. 3 in G Minor, D.408, Op. posth. 137 No. 3 12:58: I. Allegro giusto
Sonatina No. 3 in G Minor, D.408, Op. posth. 137 No. 3 12:58: II. Andante
Sonatina No. 3 in G Minor, D.408, Op. posth. 137 No. 3 12:58: III. Menuetto: Allegro vivace
Sonatina No. 3 in G Minor, D.408, Op. posth. 137 No. 3 12:58: IV. Allegro moderato
Sonatina No. 1 in D Major, D.384, Op. posth. 137 No. 1: III. Rondo (Allegro vivace only)
Octet in F Major, D.803, Op. posth. 166 47:12: I. Adagio - Allegro
Octet in F Major, D.803, Op. posth. 166 47:12: II. Adagio
Octet in F Major, D.803, Op. posth. 166 47:12: III. Allegro vivace
Octet in F Major, D.803, Op. posth. 166 47:12: IV. Andante
Octet in F Major, D.803, Op. posth. 166 47:12: V. Menuetto: Allegretto
Octet in F Major, D.803, Op. posth. 166 47:12: VI. Andante molto - Allegro

Album Description

Some of Franz Schubert's most popular scores lie in the realm of his chamber music, which the composer introduced to the world along with his songs in intimate Viennese gatherings dubbed "Schubertiades."

This newly repackaged four-CD andante anthology serves as a virtual Schubertiade, as it showcases Schubert's chamber gems via classic recordings by some of the pre-war era's greatest musicians. The performances include, among others, Fritz Kreisler and Sergei Rachmaninoff in the "Grand Duo," Adolf Busch and Rudolf Serkin in the C Major Fantasie, the Cortot/Casals/Thibaud Trio in the B-flat Major Piano Trio, and the Pro Arte Quartet with Anthony Pini in the String Quintet. The rare vintage 78s were digitally remastered by Art & Son Studio in Paris using the 24-bit "CAP 440" technique.

Tracks:

Trio No.7 in B-Flat, Op.97: I. Allegro moderato
Trio No.7 in B-Flat, Op.97: II. Scherzo & Trio
Trio No.7 in B-Flat, Op.97: III. Andante cantabile, ma pero con moto
Trio No.7 in B-Flat, Op.97: IV. Allegro moderato - Presto
Trio in B-Flat, D.898: I. Allegro moderato
Trio in B-Flat, D.898: II. Andante un poco mosso
Trio in B-Flat, D.898: III. Scherzo & Trio
Trio in B-Flat, D.898: IV. Rondo
7 Variations for Violoncello and piano

Tracks:

Trio No.1 in d, Op.49: I. Molto allegro ed agitato
Trio No.1 in d, Op.49: II. Andante con moto tranquillo
Trio No.1 in d, Op.49: III. Scherzo
Trio No.1 in d, Op.49: IV. Finale
Trio in d, Op.63: I Mit Energie und Leidenschaft
Trio in d, Op.63: II Lebhaft, doch nicht zu rasch
Trio in d, Op.63: III Langsam, mit inniger Empfindung
Trio in d, Op.63: IV Mit Feuer
10 Variations in G, Op.121 a for piano, violin, cello

Tracks:

Trio in G, Op.73 No.2: I. Andante
Trio in G, Op.73 No.2: II. Poco adagio cantabile
Trio in G, Op.73 No.2: III. Rondo all'ongarese
Son No.9 in A, Op.47: I. Adagio sostenuto - Presto
Son No.9 in A, Op.47: II. Andante con variazioni 1-4
Son No.9 in A, Op.47: III. Finale
Double Con in a, Op.102: I. Allegro
Double Con in a, Op.102: II. Andante
Double Con in a, Op.102: III. Vivace ma non tanto

Beethoven: Archduke Trio; Schubert: Piano Trio in B Flat Major

Average customer rating:

A Classic!

Beethoven: Archduke Trio; Schubert: Piano Trio in B Flat Major

Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000005GMY
Release Date: 1993-01-12

Tracks:

Pno Trio in B flat, Op.97 'Archduke': I. Allegro Moderato
Pno Trio in B flat, Op.97 'Archduke': II. Scherzo: (Allegro)
Pno Trio in B flat, Op.97 'Archduke': III. Andante Cantabile Ma Pero Moto
Pno Trio in B flat, Op.97 'Archduke': IV. Allegro Moderato
Pno Trio No. 1 in B flat, D.898: I. Allegro Moderato
Pno Trio No. 1 in B flat, D.898: II. Andante Un Poco Mosso
Pno Trio No. 1 in B flat, D.898: III. Scherzo (Allegro) Et Trio
Pno Trio No. 1 in B flat, D.898: IV. Rondo (Allegro Vivace-Presto)

Customer Reviews:

A Classic!.......1999-08-20

This title will be reissued in the EMI Great Recordings of the Century on September 14, 1999. It has been remastered using the latest Abbey Road Technology (ART) and sounds better than ever. Words cannot express the greatness of this recording. All I can say is, it is the best recording of these two works by the greatest piano trio in the history of recorded music. Do not let the 1926 sound quality keep you from purchasing this disc. The music making is fabulous. A must for any collection. Enjoy!

Average customer rating:

Excellent Compilation of Schubert Chamber Works

Franz Schubert Chamber Music

Manufacturer: Andante
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00005U589
Release Date: 2001-10-01

Tracks:

Piano Trio No. 1 in B-flat Major, D.898, Op. posth. 99 (Alfred Cortot, piano; Jacques Thibaud, violin; Pablo Casals, cello); I. Allegro moderato
II. Andante un poco mosso
III. Scherzo and Trio
IV. Rondo: Allegro vivace
Quintet for piano and strings in A Major, "Trout", D.667, Op. 114 (Artur Schnabel, piano; Alphonse Onnou, violin; Germain Prevost, viola; Robert Maas, cello; Claude Hobday, bass); I. Allegro vivace
II. Andante
III. Scherzo and Trio
IV. Theme and Variations
V. Finale: Allegro giusto

Tracks:

Fantaisie for violin and piano in C Major, D.934, Op. posth. 159 (Adolf Busch, violin; Rudolf Serkin, piano); I. Andante moderato
II. Allegretto
III. Andantino
IV. Allegro vivace
Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat Major, D.929, Op. 100 (Adolf Busch, violin; Hermann Busch, cello; Rudolf Serkin, piano); I. Allegro 10:48
II. Andante con moto
III. Scherzo and Trio
IV. Allegro moderato

Tracks:

Violin Sonata "Grand Duo" in A Major, D.574, Op. posth. 162 (Fritz Kreisler, violin; Serge Rachmaninoff, piano); I. Allegro moderato
II. Scherzo and Trio
III. Andantino
IV. Allegro vivace
Quintet for 2 violins, viola and 2 cellos in C Major, D.956, Op. posth. 163 (Alphonse Onnou, violin 1; Laurent Halleux, violin 2; Germain Prevost, viola; Marcel Maas, cello 1; Anthony Pini, cello 2); I. Allegro ma non troppo
II. Adagio
III. Scherzo and Trio
IV. Allegretto

Tracks:

Sonatina No. 3 in G Minor, D.408, Op. posth. 137 No. 3 (Jacques Thibaud, violin; Tasso Janopoulo, piano); I. Allegro giusto
II. Andante
III. Menuetto: Allegro vivace
IV. Allegro moderato
Sonatina No. 1 in D Major, D.384, Op. posth. 137 No. 1 (Jacques Thibaud, violin; Tasso Janopoulo, piano); III. Rondo (Allegro vivace only)
Octet in F Major, D.803, Op. posth. 166 (L=E9ner Quartet and others); I. Adagio - Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Allegro vivace
IV. Andante
V. Menuetto: Allegretto
VI. Andante molto - Allegro

Amazon.com

Andante's deluxe package of Schubert's chamber music masterpieces includes classic performances that retain their glories. The Cortot-Thibaud-Casals Trio in the Piano Trio No. 1 and the Busch Trio's Piano Trio No. 2, for example, still reign supreme for insightful, warm interpretations, here transferred with presence and color. Busch's violin Fantasy, too, has only been bettered by Szigeti's performance, and the Kreisler-Rachmaninoff recording of the Grand Duo Violin Sonata has always been--and always will be--in a class by itself. Even stiffer recorded competition hasn't dislodged the Schnabel Trout Quintet or the Pro Arte String Quintet from classic status. A few once-lauded selections, like the Léner's Octet, now seem a bit frayed at the edges, but remain fascinating glimpses into the past. These originals were recorded between 1926 and 1944, so they feature a warmer, more expressive, more humane performing style than we get these days. Although some of these classics are available on various labels, Andante's collection is a well-transferred, convenient way to get Schubert's greatest chamber hits performed by an array of brilliant Schubert interpreters in one handsome set. --Dan Davis

Album Description

He's composed in virtually every major genre, yet Schubert's greatness is most apparent through his chamber music. He brought an instinctive ability to blend and balance small combinations of instruments, and works like the "Trout" Quintet and the B-flat Major Piano Trio are counted among the supreme achievements in all of chamber music. Featured in this sweeping anthology are such legendary chamber performers as the Pro Arte String Quartet, Léner Quartet, Busch Trio, Thibaud-Cortot-Casals Trio, violinist Adolf Busch and pianist Rudolf Serkin. Worth special attention are first-rate performances by virtuoso violinist Fritz Kreisler and pianist Sergei Rachmaninov - surely to be treasured for generations to come.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Compilation of Schubert Chamber Works.......2003-11-03

I was checking out different performances of Schubert's essential chamber works when suddenly I found this set. Suddenly my eyes lit up: legendary performers like Casals, Rachmaninoff, Thibaud, Serkin, Schnabel and Kreisler all in one collection performing the best of Schubert's chamber pieces; I couldn't believe what I was seeing! Andante has selected truly classic renditions of these masterworks and packed them all in an attractive and idiosyncratic manner along with performance notes. I had finally discovered a truly satisfying set.

The performances are all top-notch, and the sound quality, although certainly not up to today's standards, is for the most part very satisfactory. Particularly enjoyable are the renditions of the C Major String Quintet and E Flat Major Piano Trio (the Andante con moto of which was hauntingly used in Stanley Kubrick's Barry Lyndon). The collection also features the B Flat Major Piano Trio, the "Trout" Quintet, and the F Major Octet, along with selected works for violin and piano.