Quintets 3

Amazon.com
It's safe to bet that Jean Francaix's cunning Divertissement for Woodwind Quintet, composed in 1947, is one of the three or four most frequently performed works in the genre. It works marvelously. It's rendered here with almost unbelievable style and ease. Francaix himself wrote the notes to this extraordinary disc, which features several of the composer's works as well as one he specially composed for this first-rate German group. Every note comes with a gorgeous attack and perfect decay; the whole thing just rings from beginning to end. For woodwind quintet lovers, this recording is a must. --Gwendolyn Freed

Quintets 3,Francaix,Aulos Wind Quintet,Koch Schwann (Germ.),Classical

Average customer rating: Very classical Mozart Major Mozart! Outstanding Musical Heaven - The Very Highest Quality Required Listening for true Mozartians

Mozart: The Six String Quintets Manufacturer: Calliope France ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mozart: String Quartets Nos. 14 - 23 Mozart: Complete String Trios & Duos Mozart: The Complete Piano Trios Mozart: The Violin Sonatas Mozart: The Late Symphonies: Nos. 25, 29, 35, 36, 38, 39, 40, 41 ASIN: B000026CY3 Release Date: 1999-10-12

Customer Reviews:

Very classical Mozart.......2007-04-09

Whether you give this recording the 5 stars its awards suggest or not, will probably depend on the way you like your Mozart played. This recording by the Talich Quartet + violist Karel Rehak is very much in the classical style, low dynamic range, and relatively little vibrato. I'm not sure if they are using period instruments but it does sound like it. Add to this a rather "dry" acoustic in this French recording with not a lot of resonance and I think you will get the general picture. This works very well in the youthfully high-spirited and somewhat experimental K.178. It is worth noting here that just as Haydn can be said to have "invented" the string quartet. Mozart was the first composer of any note to use the quintet form, which he came to use in his later period in preference to the four player version, to produce some of his most characteristic, personal and individual music.
The K516 Quintet is a strange and extremely unsettling piece. Time and again the rather bouncy rhythms clash with some very tortured harmonies. Written shortly after the death of his father, with whom he had a close but not untroubled relationship, it is full of unresolved grief and forced bonhomie. The Talich's understated performance avoids most of the major issues - probably just as well, as musically this is the least successful of the six. You could hardly imagine Beethoven, still less Brahms (Mozart's greatest admirer of course) writing such a "throwaway" finale. Mozart appears here, for the time being at least, to have completely abandoned the comforts of religion and provided us with a truthful, if somewhat ugly self-portrait.
By contrast the K515 in Ut Majeur (I'm still not sure what key that is, I wish the French didn't insist on their ridiculous notation) is the Mozart we all know and love. Urbane and relaxed, it is the perfect blend of wit and seriousness - the former predominating and an absolute delight throughout. Solid playing from the Talich quartet + Karel Rehak, maybe they could have had a little more fun in the finale....
The Quintet in C minor K406 is one of the few cases where Köchel appears to have got it wrong, as it was in fact written after the two previous pieces, but as it is a rewrite of his K388 Serenade for Wind Instruments he may perhaps be forgiven. The cover notes incidentally, otherwise admirable, merely add to the confusion here. The reasons for this re-arrangement are obscure, but the result is unarguable. For me at least, this is one the most Schubertian of Mozart's pieces, with many a foretaste of "Death and the Maiden". The mood is predominantly somber and agitated and there is none of the sense of reconciliation that Brahms found later. The finale is another example of "forced jollity" but a bit better controlled than in K515, rather like dancing a polka after having witnessed someone's murder - or committed it. This is an absolutely gripping piece in which the Talich's style works to perfection.
The Clarinet Quintet is one of the finest and most beautiful pieces of music ever written and far too well known to comment on here. There have been many fine performances - sadly not this is not one of them. Chief culprit is soloist Bohuslav Zahardnik, whose stubborn refusal of both vibrato and rubato lends this otherwise most "romantic" piece (which was an absolute favorite of Brahms) a disappointingly pedestrian air, which even a very well-judged change of pace in the final movement cannot redeem. Zukerman, Menuhin and de Peyer, where were you?
Looks like it's going down to the wire - K593 and K614. If Mozart was beset by self doubt and existential angst in his final years as some have claimed, there's not a trace of it in the sparkling K593 quintet, which positively bristles with invention. The cyclic form of the first movement anticipates many 19th century works and there is some very novel use of pizzicato. The final movement, part rondo, part canon, part fugue is almost bewildering in its array of musical ideas. The acoustic also seems better on the final disc with a lot more resonance. If K406 was Schubertian, then this is most definitely Beethoven at his lively early best and I am pleased to relate that the Talich Quartet + Karel Rehak give this brilliant piece an appropriately brilliant performance, full of contrast and energy as well as immaculate precision.
I can't quite make up my mind about K614. This was the first time I'd heard it and despite a bright opening with "hunting" motifs and some complex writing in the finale I found it disappointingly slight, as of course Mozart can be, nothing wrong with the performance and maybe I'm missing something, but it surely needed a "bigger", more contrasting, slow movement.
What's the final verdict: to be honest I've got to say mixed. There isn't a performance in this set that says, "unforgettable". On the other hand there isn't an absolute stinker either and if you like the 18th century sound and very classical interpretations then there is a lot on these records you can enjoy.

Major Mozart!.......2007-02-09

The six string quintets are less commonly performed and less well known that the quartets, but they are not lesser pieces. They are robust, complex, dramatic music, full of Mozartean surprises. They should rank among his masterpieces, even the early KV 174. You will hear the future in them, more of the birth of the Romantic than the waning of the Rococo. The Talich Quartet performs them well and, as other reviewers have noted, the recording quality of these disks is excellent.

Outstanding.......2007-01-05

You don't need me to tell you, as others have, that this is a truly magnificent recording. A flawless performance by the Talich quartet in its sheer joy, vigour, precision and teamwork, and also an outstanding recording in its clarity and brightness. It helps also, of course, that the quintets are in very top rank of Mozart's chamber music. My congratulatons to all concerned.

Musical Heaven - The Very Highest Quality.......2006-08-12

The Talich Quartet have given us 3 CDs of musical heaven with these quintets. Both the performance and the sound engineering are outstanding. The sound quality is, indeed, so unbelievably good that it really is as another reviewer described it: like having these musicians right in front of you, giving a wonderful performance in your own living room. I have had these CDs for over a year now and have listened to them many times with great pleasure. These quintets radiate with warmth, gracefulness, moments of touching sadness, and other moments of infectious joy. As I was listening to the clarinet quintet this morning, after having listened to it so many times before, I once again felt moved by the beauty of this performance. This is a special recording with a magical beauty.

This is a performance of the very highest quality, where the musicians communicate perfectly with each other and completely succeed in communicating to the listener their love for this music. Some of the previous reviewers have commented that even those persons who prefer other types of classical music, such as symphonies or concertos, and who do not ordinarily consider themselves as being interested in chamber music, still owe it to themselves to listen to this set. I wholeheartedly agree. This is indeed the kind of truly outstanding performance that could convert someone to chamber music. The CD booklet is also excellent, with a detailed informative essay discussing each of the quintets. Highly and enthusiastically recommended.

Required Listening for true Mozartians.......2006-05-04

While Mozart's string quartets are somewhat uneven, the quintets are all masterpieces, especially K. 516, one of his most original and daring works. If you are a true Mozartian, this music is required listening. The performances here are simply superb, absolutely riveting in their drama. As a bonus, there is Mozart's most beautiful chamber work, the clarinet quintet. Three CD's for the price of one, outstanding music and wonderful performances, you cannot go wrong.

Average customer rating: Very Good, but beware technical problems This is how all Brahms should be played! Mastery and joy 9 CDs with THE AMADEUS: WHAT A BARGAN! Exquisite music performed with exquisite artistry

Brahms: Complete String Quartets, Quintets & Sextets Karl Leister , Johannes Brahms , Christoph Eschenbach , Cecil Aronowitz , Norbert Brainin , Siegmund Nissel , and Amadeus Quartet Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Sextets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Schubert: The String Quartets Brahms: Works for Solo Piano Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet Beethoven: The String Quartets Mendelssohn: The Complete String Quartets / Emerson String Quartet ASIN: B00008RWRG Release Date: 2003-10-14

Customer Reviews:

Very Good, but beware technical problems.......2007-05-26

Overall, I really enjoy these pieces. The playing is good, and the sound is quite live, which I enjoy. My favorite piece is the Quintet in G Major Op.111, though the sextet in Bb is a close second. I am a perfectionist, and my familiarity with these pieces led me to be a little dissapointed, which is why there is only 4 stars. My dissapointment stems from two facts:
1. In the first movement of the Brahms G Major Op.111, the string quintet elects not to take the repeat in m.56, so you will never hear the first ending on this recording and thus only get one shot at the awesome cello opening. I haven't listened closely enough to the other pieces on this set to discern if they avoided other repeats or not, but for the most part, they appear to be there.

2. There are technical printing problems. Though the recording is so live that you can hear the breath of the musicians and their fingers fall on the strings, there are some actual technical pops in the recording. Perhaps it was a transfer problem from analog to digital, as the recordings are old. Most of these pops are minor, but they are dissapointing for an audiophile such as myself. My CDs are pristine (no scratches at all), and even the first time playing them these pops were there. So, here's the list of what I've found thus far:

CD 3:
Track 6: Pops & clicks at 1:19 & 1:22.

CD 5:
Track 1: Pops at 6:01.
Track 2: Pops & clicks at 0:13, 3:56, & 6:16.
Track 5: Pop at 12:07.
Track 7: Pop & clicks at 6:11, 7:45, 7:51-7:52 (these are quite noticable), 7:59, 8:03, 8:11.
Track 8: Pop at 7:34.

It is a well-played set; hopefully they will get the printing correct on the next batch.

This is how all Brahms should be played!.......2007-02-14

There isn't much to say about this set, but I'll say what there is to say: These players play the Brahms chamber music here with such emotion, musical understanding, and overall perfection that this set should be made into a must for all Brahms chamber music lovers. The Amadeus quartet, along with all of the other performers, including Eschenbach on the piano and Leister on the clarinet, really know what they're doing and play it so beautifully that the listener will want to hear the pieces again and again until the CD player is practically worn out. These Brahms works are some of the most sublime works of the later 19th century. For such quality music and great sound, especially for having been recorded in the 1960's, the price is also great. I recommend this set very highly, and hope you decide to get and enjoy it as much as I do.

Mastery and joy.......2006-12-12

Because they lasted such a long time and toward the end didn't play at their best, I found reasons to overlook the Madeus Qt. But in this 9-CD set of the complete chamber music of Brahms, there are some sublime performances--I would especially point to both String Sextets, for example. In every instance the style of the Amadeus is full of vibrancy and joy, and their ensemble isn't baased on technical perfection but rather a kinship of musical taste and feeling (this puts them poles apart from the Emerson Qt., for me at least). I also love the Brahms chamber performances on Sony with Yo-Yo Ma, Isaac Stern, emanuel Ax, and friends, but this DG set is altogether sweeter and more lyrical.

Since Amazon neglects to list the additional players who join the Amadeus for the works that aren't soely for a string quartet, here's the run-down from Tower:

1. Quartet for Strings no 1 in C minor, Op. 51 no 1
Ensemble: Amadeus String Quartet

2. Quartet for Strings no 2 in A minor, Op. 51 no 2
Ensemble: Amadeus String Quartet

3. Quartet for Strings no 3 in B flat major, Op. 67
Ensemble: Amadeus String Quartet

4. Quintet for Piano and Strings in F minor, Op. 34
Ensemble: Amadeus String Quartet
Performer: Eschenbach, Christoph

5. Quintet for Strings no 1 in F major, Op. 88
Ensemble: Amadeus String Quartet
Performer: Aronowitz, Cecil

6. Quintet for Strings no 2 in G major, Op. 111
Ensemble: Amadeus String Quartet
Performer: Aronowitz, Cecil

7. Trio for Clarinet, Cello and Piano in A minor, Op. 114
Performer: Leister, Karl; Eschenbach, Christoph; Donderer, Georg

8. Quintet for Clarinet and Strings in B minor, Op. 115
Ensemble: Amadeus String Quartet
Performer: Leister, Karl

9. Sextet for Strings no 1 in B flat major, Op. 18
Ensemble: Amadeus String Quartet
Performer: Aronowitz, Cecil; Pleeth, William

10. Sextet for Strings no 2 in G major, Op. 36
Ensemble: Amadeus String Quartet
Performer: Aronowitz, Cecil; Pleeth, William

9 CDs with THE AMADEUS: WHAT A BARGAN!.......2005-10-04

This is a really nice set at a bargan price.

Exquisite music performed with exquisite artistry.......2005-05-20

All the passion, majesty, pathos, and soul of his symphonies is in these 10 works of chamber music by Brahms:

3 string quartets;
2 string quintets;
2 string sextets;
a quintet for piano, 2 violins, viola, and violoncello;
a trio for piano, clarinet, and violoncello;
and a quintet for clarinet, 2 violins, viola, and violoncello.

All this wealth of extraordinary music is in a 5 CD set, performed by one of the finest chamber music ensembles in the world, with the added artistry of Christoph Eschenbach (piano), Cecil Aronowitz (viola), and Karl Leister (clarinet).

One CD is 50' 36 in length, 2 are in the low 60's, and 2 are in the low 70's.

I have an inexpensive CD player, but this music emerges from it with the sharpness of etched glass, the smoothness of warmed honey, and the softness of rivers of silver in moonlight.

This is music to celebrate the joy and the pathos of life, played with soul, sensitivity, and power. Buy it and treasure this gift to yourself.

Average customer rating: Forgotten Gems Brought to Light! Excellent addition Relaxation music with a kick pure pleasure "Fandango" has a spanish flair and played with such novice.

The Best of Boccherini Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Boccherini | Boccherini, Luigi | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Flute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Boccherini: Quintets For Guitar And Strings Boccherini: String Quintets; Minuet in A /Europa Galante * Biondi Boccherini: Fandango, Sinfonie & La Musica Notturna di Madrid Corelli: 12 Concerti grossi, op. 6 Musical Evenings in the Captain's Cabin ASIN: B00000416O Release Date: 1993-08-10

Tracks:

1. Flute Concerto In D, Op. 27: I. Allegro moderato
2. Flute Concerto In D, Op. 27: II. Adagio
3. Flute Concerto In D, Op. 27: III. Rondeau
4. String Quintet In E, Op. 13 No. 5: Minuet
5. Guitar Quintet No. 4 In D: I. Pastorale
6. Guitar Quintet No. 4 In D: II. Allegro maestoso
7. Guitar Quintet No. 4 In D: III. Grave assai - Fandango
8. String Quartet In D, Op. 6 No. 1: I. Allegro vivace
9. String Quartet In D, Op. 6 No. 1: II. Adagio
10. String Quartet In D, Op. 6 No. 1: III. Minuetto In Rondeau
11. Cello Concerto In B Flat: I. Allegro moderato
12. Cello Concerto In B Flat: II. Andantino grazioso
13. Cello Concerto In B Flat: III. Rondo (Allegro)

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 3 In C, Op. 12: I. Allegro con molto
2. Symphony No. 3 In C, Op. 12: II. Andantino amoroso
3. Symphony No. 3 In C, Op. 12: III. Tempo di minue
4. Symphony No. 3 In C, Op. 12: IV. Presto ma non tanto
5. Guitar Quintet No. 9 In C 'La Ritirata di Madrid': I. Allegro maestoso assai
6. Guitar Quintet No. 9 In C 'La Ritirata di Madrid': II. Andantino
7. Guitar Quintet No. 9 In C 'La Ritirata di Madrid': III. Allegretto
8. Guitar Quintet No. 9 In C 'La Ritirata di Madrid': IV. 'La Ritirata di Madrid'
9. Symphony No. 5 In B Flat, Op. 12: I. Allegro con spirito
10. Symphony No. 5 In B Flat, Op. 12: II. Adagio non tanto
11. Symphony No. 5 In B Flat, Op. 12: III. Minuetto
12. Symphony No. 5 In B Flat, Op. 12: IV. Prestissimo

Customer Reviews:

Forgotten Gems Brought to Light!.......2006-08-31

This was among my very first Boccherini albums (I own 34) and I consider it an absolutely essential collection of his music.

CONS: I wish the Quintet in E were presented in its entirity as this album presents it alone and thus out of its immediate context. Also, the playing on the Guitar Quintet #4 is a bit anemic, especially in the Fandango which sounds much better when played with force and zest(I strongly recommentd the version by Europa Galant) though Boccherini's beauty shines through. Finally, the Flute Concerto is not by Boccherini at all, but by Franz Pokorny.

PROS: Out of the four versions of the Cello Concerto in B flat that I own, this is BY FAR the most beautifully realized version. Its playing is so strong and full of life that I am continually amazed each time I hear it. Its Andantino Grazioso is one of the most beautiful pieces of music that you will ever hear. Boccherini has here reached the sublime. Also, this is the original version of this concerto as written by Boccherini, not the fake Greutzmacher hackjob that appears on some albums.
The String Quartet in D opens with an invigorating Allegro Vivace that is played with such excitement and warmth it will make you immagine you are running through a field of tall grass in the summertime.
The Allegro of the Symphony No. 3 stands up to any of Hayden or Mozart's symphonies. Its brief violin solo is gorgeous!
Finally, the Guitar Quintet #9 is at the same time full of kinetic brilliance and fragile tenderness.

The songs on this album are all gorgeous creations that deserve so much more of the spotlight than they currently have. In all, this is a GREAT introduction to the music of one of history's most beautiful (though forgotten) composers. I warmly recommend this to you.

Excellent addition .......2006-06-17

for any classical music collection.
I listen to this at work in my office. Relaxing and stimulating at the same time.

Relaxation music with a kick.......2006-03-24

I love his music. This CD just confirms that. Very good background music to relax by. Some of the selections have a little spice to them. It's that Spanish flair coming out I guess. Could listen to it everyday.

pure pleasure.......2004-05-30

wonderful recording...a perennial favorite perfect for a relaxing summer evening.

"Fandango" has a spanish flair and played with such novice........1999-04-14

Boccherini- The first classical masterpiece which comes to our mind is his "Minuet". Bochherini has composed over 100 string quintets especially when he was in Spain. No wonder the third movement-Grave assai-in the Guitar Quintet No.4 in D (Fandango)composition has such added spanish tinge to it. Pepe Romero on the guitar accompanied by the Academy of St.Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble has captured the essence of the music with great brilliance. This Phillips recording would be a worthy addition to your classical collection.

Average customer rating: The classical heritage

Music of Spain Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Boccherini | Boccherini, Luigi | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tarrega | Tarrega, Francisco | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Turina | Turina, Joaquin | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Divertimentos Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Bream, Julian | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Boccherini, Luigi | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Tarrega, Francisco | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Turina, Joaquin | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bream, Julian | ( B ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Rachmaninov: His Complete Recordings Bach: The Landowska Recordings Bach: Lute Suites, Trio Sonatas The Verdi Recordings Kurt Atterberg: The Symphonies (Box Set) ASIN: B0009U55QA Release Date: 2005-09-06

Customer Reviews:

The classical heritage .......2006-04-16

The visible embellishment of this noble instrument was enriched still more by the Spanish composers, who following the traces of his contemporaries. In the case of Fernando Sor, Haydn was his musical guide, where as Aguado, could establish himself with major vehemence, due its particular style, based in the notable right-hand articulation, eschewed the classical patterns, being able to print his own music a flamboyant and refined character.

In the particular case of Fernando Sor, we have a wisdom blending of the counterpoint technique, an evocative mood from his own that, added the well known influence of the Italian composers (Domenico Cimarrosa and Giovanni Batista Pergolesi) and his beloved love for the Operatic genre, allowed him to enrich still more the lyrical possibilities of the guitar. Besides, unlike Nicolo Paganini, for instance fortunately did not transform the guitar in a simple device to show his overwhelming gifts. He used the guitar to play music, on the opposite approach of Paganini who used the music as mere device to play his instrument.


In the guitar genre there has not been most deserved and superb tribute to Mozart that this Variations Op. 9 based on a motive of The most famous Mozart ?s Magic Flute. Loaded of such imaginative freshness and enraptured inspiration you may notice that one of the Variations conserves an undeniable Italian flavor; this is one of the most beloved hidden treasures the guitar can offers us, which raise with special charm in the hands of this formidable soloist.

Aguado on the contrary acquired due his personal state of things, a notable adroitness who excelled by far, to Sor, so his musical approaches rode in opposite directions, trying to exploit at maximum levels the technical possibilities of the instrument.


Julian Bream makes a colossal tribute to both composers in this egregious and golden album.

Average customer rating: Technically imperfect recordings BEST OF THE BEST Extraordinary performance of No. 5, Atrocious sound. Violins wrong side. A definitive set of some relatively neglected Mozart masterworks. Polished and vital performances

Complete String Quintets Mozart , Grumiaux Trio , Gerecz , and Lesueur Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Mozart: Complete String Trios & Duos Mozart: String Quartets Nos. 14 - 23 Mozart: The Complete Piano Trios Mozart: The Six String Quintets Mozart: The Violin Sonatas ASIN: B000065TV7 Release Date: 2002-06-11

Tracks:

1. 1. Allegro Moderato
2. 2. Adagio
3. 3. Menuetto Ma Allegretto
4. 4. Allegro
5. 1. Allegro
6. 2. Andante
7. 3. Menuetto In Canone
8. 4. Allegro
9. 1. Larghetto - Allegro
10. 2. Adagio
11. 3. Menuetto (Allegro)
12. 4. Finale (Allegro)

Tracks:

1. 1. Allegro
2. 2. Andante
3. 3. Menuetto (Allegretto)
4. 4. (Allegro)
5. 1. Allegro
6. 2. Menuetto (Allegretto)
7. 3. Adagio Ma Non Troppo
8. 4. Adagio - Allegro

Tracks:

1. 1. Allegro Di Molto
2. 2. Andante
3. 3. Menuetto
4. 4. Allegro
5. 1. Allegro
6. 2. Adagio
7. 3. Menuetto (Allegretto) - Trio
8. 4. Andante
9. 5. Menuetto (Allegretto) - Trio I - Trio II
10. 6. Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Technically imperfect recordings.......2007-07-11

Whilst I love the Mozart Quintets, these recordings, to my ear, are seriously technically inaccurate in many places (especially Grumiaux's wayward old technique) and the recordings are rather 'scratchy' (too much high frequency). These problems used to irritate me when listening - so I don't any longer (not this set, anyway).

BEST OF THE BEST.......2007-05-28

If I had to name the three greatest works of chamber music that even Mozart ever produced, I don't think it would take me long to nominate the string quintets in C major and G minor and the Divertimento for string trio. Mozart loved the viola, he played the viola, and an extra viola on top of the standard string quartet drew wonders from him. Wonders were his day-to-day modus operandi of course, but I doubt that in his entire output he ever composed anything more astounding than the great and lengthy work he produced for a combination that lacked not only any second viola but even the usual second violin.

The recordings of the quintets are from 1974 with digital remastering. There is a certain amount of the `edginess' to the sound that I often associate with this process, but it does not amount to much and after a few hearings I had forgotten about it. In no way does it come between me and my enjoyment of some outstanding Mozart playing on this 3-disc set. There is only one single movement in all the 24 that make up the quintets that raises any significant doubts in my mind, and it is the first movement of the C minor. This is the composer's own arrangement of his great `serenade' for wind instruments K388 (the title chosen because Mozart did not know the term `octet') and Grumiaux and his partners elect to give it the fast-and-uneasy treatment often given to the first movement of Mozart's piano concerto in the same key. There is considerable weight of scholarly opinion behind this way of doing it, but I'm still inclined to welcome a more relaxed approach, such as I know from an interesting re-arrangement by Holliger with his oboe in place of the first violin. For me Holliger's slightly slower tempo enhances the solemnity of the movement, and it does wonders for what is already wonderful, the melody of the second subject. Otherwise I cannot speak too highly of the interpretations that we are offered here. The quintet K174 is given with the self-assurance that suits this delightful early work, extra gravitas of course attends the mature masterpieces, the slow movements of the other four quintets are sublime (with wonderful muted sound in the G minor), and Mozart's final tribute to his great mentor Haydn in the E flat quintet has all the poise and elegance I could wish for.

The Divertimento is from 1967, and the sound is not quite so good, although I have no major complaint to make. It puts this account at a slight disadvantage against a superb performance of this miracle of a work by Gidon Kremer, Kim Kashkashian and Yo-yo Ma; but that, of course, does not bring us all the other quintets at a very attractive price as this set does. In the first movement I still miss Kremer's wonderful and bold phrasing, but I doubt that I ever heard the celestial final rondo better done than it is here, by Kremer and co or by anyone.

Even the liner-notes are rather good. I wonder whether the general standard of these is looking up (a few years ago I would have said it badly needed to) or whether I have simply been lucky in this regard with my more recent purchases. There is a picture of the Grumiaux trio, but none of their two collaborators in the quintets, so let me close by highlighting the names of Arpad Gerecz and Max Lesueur for their fine contribution to what can fairly be called an outstanding set.

Extraordinary performance of No. 5, Atrocious sound. Violins wrong side........2007-01-03

I have never heard such a good preformance of ANY string quartet or quintet. Rating each movement from 1 poor to 5 I have never before rated such a recording 5 5 5 5.
The treble on all these recordings is so distorted to be almost unlistonable. Also the louds are usually far too load sounding nothing as they do in in a live performance. The parts of the other performances I could stand hearing to the end had much poorer performances, perhaps Mozart's fault since many of the themes are trivial and repeat endlessly. Over half the quartet recordings in my large collection have the violins on the wrong side. This does not bother me now since,having biwireable speakers, I have the B speakers reversed. Absent such speakers banana plugs can be quickly changed but that is a big bother. Otherwise, listen with headphones.

A definitive set of some relatively neglected Mozart masterworks........2005-09-22

It is difficult to find a decent set of Mozart's string quintets; the Deutsche Grammophone offering isn't bad; the performance is nice, but the recording isn't that great and it suffers greatly from age. This recording is also older, but the remastering is excellent - it is difficult to tell that this was recorded in the 1970's. The Grimiaux Quartet does these masterpieces justice, by toeing the line between restraint and expression perfectly, which is what is needed for an accurate and fulfilling interpretation of the works. Not only are the performances impeccable, but the music itself is amazing. If you like Mozart's string quartets, you will love his quintets as it affords the composer more freedom to add depth and layers to his compositions. Much like Brahms, Mozart just seems more at home writing in this medium than he ever did with the Quartet arrangement.
Quintets 2-6 are all late works; and as such, they resonate with counterpoint and a harmonic complexity typical of late Mozart. The highlights include the C Minor quintet, the G Minor quintet, and the final quintet, written near the end of his life, the E-Flat Major Quintet. The finale of the E Flat Major quintet is especially satisfying as, much like his final symphony the "Jupiter", Mozart goes out with a proverbial "bang" as he expounds on a 2 part fugue which deconstructs the theme into 2 distinct lines and embarks on a brain-popping contrapuntal exposition. Excellent stuff.
An added bonus is the Divertimento K 563, also in E-Flat Major, which maybe Mozart's most mature chamber offering. Definitely worth picking this up, especially at this price (3 discs for less than the price of 2).
Another fine set which I just picked up is the Quatuor Talich set on Calliope. It is also 3 disc, but it's even cheaper than this, with similarly excellent performances and pristine digital sound. Honestly, it's a tossup between the two.

Polished and vital performances.......2005-05-08

There are two extreme approaches to Mozart; one can play superficially, treating his music as harmless fluff for easy listening, or one can play his music in Romanticized fashion, wringing every last ounce of emotion out, and possibly injecting some in the process. Neither is appropriate; smooth as Mozart may be on the surface, there is depth of expression that is nonetheless spoiled by attempts to accentuate it. The wise performer must chart a middle course and avoid resolving the tension to either side if his performance is to succeed, which Arthur Grumiaux and his colleagues do in this recording.

The playing on this set is impeccable; all the performers are of the highest calibre, and are well-represented by the technicians. The recording is old but not too old, and has aged well. But most importantly, in interpreting these glorious works, the musicians never succumb to either extreme; the performances are of an aristocratic elegance that also brings out, for example, the darkness in the C-minor quintet. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating: Unmissable! A knockout bargain

Mozart: The 6 Haydn-Quartets; The 6 String Quintets Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Milton Katims , and Budapest String Quartet Manufacturer: Sbme Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Great Performances From The Library Of Congress, Vol. 6: Budapest String Quartet In Concert At The Library of Congress Beethoven The Middle Quartets in Concert at the Library of Congress 1940-1960 Mozart: String Quartets Nos. 14 - 23 Haydn: String Quartets Op. 76, Nos. 1-3 Mozart: Complete String Trios & Duos ASIN: B00008S7HM Release Date: 2003-05-12

Tracks:

1. Cd-1 (1-4) (The 6 Haydn-Quartets 1-12 ) String Quartet In G Major, K.387
2. Cd-1 (5-8) String Quartet In D Minor, K.412 (217b)
3. Cd-1 (9-12) String Quartet In B-Flat Major, K.458 "The Hunt"
4. Cd-2 (1-4) String Quartet In E Major, K.428 (421b)
5. Cd-2 (5-8) String Quartet In A Major, K.464
6. Cd-2 (9-12) String Quartet In C Major, K.465 "Dissonant"
7. Cd-3 (1-4) (The 6 String Quintets 1-12) String Quintet No.1 In B-Flat Major, K.174
8. Cd-3 (5-8) String Quintet No.2 In C Minor, K.406 (516b)
9. Cd-3 (9-12) String Quintet No.2 In C Major, K.515
10. Cd-4 (1-4) String Quintet No.4 In G Minor, K.516
11. Cd-4 (5-8) String Quintet No.5 In D Major, K.593
12. Cd-4 (9-12) String Quintet No.6 In E-Flat Major, K.614

Album Details

4CD Box set. Columbia Legends Series.

Customer Reviews:

Unmissable!.......2005-06-13

Perhaps you should remove one star or two for production values, which are not state of the art; the sound feels very thin, missing quite a lot in body. The playing, however, is the very, very best. The world will never get a string quartet with such an understanding of Mozart! The tempos are generally brisk, but it never sounds hurried. I am used to the Quartetto Italiano on this stuff, and that played rather slowly, wonderfully as such, but slowly. The Budapest Quartet is playing quickly, but it always feels easy, elegant and relaxed.
The nerve on the quintet K. 516 is very exiting. In spite of being recorded by the mid 40ies, I've never wanted any other recordings of the quintets.
The 'Haydn' quartets are recorded by the mid 50ies, but here I would like some better sound. I've preferred the Quartetto Italiano for almost ten years; know I only listen to the Budapest. I guess that my mind now is able to add the sound which is missing on the recording.
My five stars because you should not miss this - and in some years this collection perhaps will be out of print...

A knockout bargain.......2005-05-22

How can I review the greatest string quartet ever? The recording is quite decent, a remastering of LPs that were already excellent. Don't think scratchy reissue.

And the performance? My god, these guys are total quartetness--I just listened to the Dissonant Quartet, and there is a rhythmic thrust beyond others, no matter when recorded. The proof is in the astounding gasps--there's no more accurate term--in the last movement. There may have been equally good performances that I'll never know because they were early 20th century, but thanks there are these great performances that got the benefit of good recording.

Average customer rating:

Boccherini: String Quintets Vol. 3 Boccherini , and La Magnifica Comunita Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Brilliant Classics | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Boccherini: String Quintets, Vol. 1 Boccherini: String Quintets, Vol. 2 Boccherini: Clavier Quintets (Complete) Boccherini: Complete Guitar Quintets François Couperin: Chamber Music (Complete) ASIN: B000KHYO46 Release Date: 2007-01-16

Tracks:

1. Maestoso
2. Larghetto Con Espressione
3. Minuetto: Allegro
4. Presto
5. Allegro Maestoso
6. Larghetto
7. Presto
8. Prestissimo
9. Largo
10. Tempo Di Minuetto, Trio
11. Presto

Tracks:

1. Allegro
2. Andante Sostenuto
3. Fuga (Allegro Giusto)
4. Andantino
5. Allegro Giusto
6. Presto Assai
7. Andante Sostenuto
8. Allegro Con Spirito
9. Minuetto
10. Rondeau, Allegro

Average customer rating: Excellent CD of Mozart's Last Major Chamber Works

Mozart: Complete String Quintets, Vol. 3 Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mozart: String Quintets (Complete), Vol. 2 Mozart: String Quintets (Complete), Vol. 1 String Quartets (Complete) Vol.1 K.428 & K.464 Mozart: String Quartets (Complete), Vol. 4 Mozart: String Quartets (Complete), Vol. 8 ASIN: B000009OLX Release Date: 1998-07-28

Tracks:

1. String Quintet In D Major, K 593: Larghetto
2. String Quintet In D Major, K 593: Adagio
3. String Quintet In D Major, K 593: Menuetto: Allegretto
4. String Quintet In D Major, K 593: Allegro
5. String Quintet In E Flat Major, K 614: Allegretto di molto
6. String Quintet In E Flat Major, K 614: Andante
7. String Quintet In E Flat Major, K 614: Menuetto: Allegretto
8. String Quintet In E Flat Major, K 614: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Excellent CD of Mozart's Last Major Chamber Works.......2007-04-08

Both of these String Quintets are the last of Mozart's major chamber works, and how wonderful they are. K.593 in D Major was written in December 1790, and is played very well by the augmented Eder Quartet. Even though Mozart is entering the last year of his tragically short life, the music is consistently great. The acoustic of this recording is full and natural, definitely enjoyable. Mozart's last Quintet, K.614 in E flat, composed in April 1791, is also full of wonderful turns of expression, as he so effectively uses the added second viola for some enjoyable tonal delights. This is the best of the three volumes of Mozart's String Quintets on Naxos. Volume 1 is good, but Volume 2 is disapponting. The Penguin Guide gave this third volume a 3-star review (outstanding). You will not be disappointed if you purchase this excellent, nicely-priced CD from the critically-acclaimed Naxos label.

Average customer rating:

Stokowski Transcriptions: Bach, Beethoven, Boccherini, etc. Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Boccherini | Boccherini, Luigi | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Sawallisch, Wolfgang | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | 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 4-for-3 Opera & Vocal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Hindemith: Symphonic Metamorphoses; Concert Music for Strings and Brass; Bartók: The Miraculous Mandarin - Suite Liszt: Piano Concertos; Totentanz; Hungarian Fantasy Baroque Trumpet Concertos Lalo: Symphonie espagnole; Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen: Massenet: Thaïs - Meditation Lehár: Waltzes ASIN: B00009KHYI Release Date: 2005-03-01

Tracks:

1. Sheep May Safely Graze
2. Sleepers Awake
3. Ein Feste Burg Ist Unser Gott
4. Toccata And Fugue In D Minor, BWV 565
5. Minuet
6. 'Moonlight' Sonata
7. Prelude In E Minor, Op.28 No.4
8. Panis Angelicus
9. Andante Cantabile
10. 'At The Ball'
11. Clair De Lune
12. La Cathedrale Engloutie
13. Prelude In C Sharp Minor

Average customer rating: Boccherini Boccherini: Cello Quintets - 2

Boccherini: Cello Quintets - 2 Manufacturer: Hyperion UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Boccherini | Boccherini, Luigi | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Boccherini: Cello Quintets Boccherini: String Quartets, Opp. 32 and 39 Boccherini: String Quartets, Op. 32, Nos. 3-6 Telemann: The Six Paris Quartets Boccherini: Fandango, Sinfonie & La Musica Notturna di Madrid ASIN: B0000AE7BR Release Date: 2003-10-14

Customer Reviews:

Boccherini.......2007-01-10

Some of the songs on this CD are very hard to come by auraly. Unfortunately, the edition played does not match the one printed by the International company (if I remember correct). I am not certain whether or not this is the original edition by Boccherini, a damn good improvisation or what... But I still give the group kudos for their clarity, truth to the time period, and ebb&flow.

Boccherini: Cello Quintets - 2.......2005-06-01

Boccherini is not one of the better known composers; in fact, I did not know about him prior to listening to this recording. Being a contemporary of greats such as Haydn and Mozart, did not leave alot of space for other composers to shine. His music is not as complex as either Mozart or Haydn but compared to many modern composers he is leagues ahead of them in many regards. The book-let is very well done and has a beautifull painting of how life was at them time. The story regarding the work in question and Boccherini himself is quite interesting and one does feel that he indeed was slighted at time when he was alive and is only now truly appreciated.

Track Listings:

1. Récital Caryn Hartglass
2. Rachmaninov: Suite for pianos No2; Russian Rhapsody in Em
3. Richard Wagner: Lohengrin
4. Rosenmuller: Magnificat; Dixit Dominus, Dum esset rex, Antienne
5. Russian Liturgical Chant
6. Schütz: Histoire De La Résurrection, SWV.50/Meine Seele Erhebt Den Herren, SWV.344
7. Schubert: Octet in F D803, Op166
8. Scriabine: Itineraire Pianistique 1888-1914 (The Voyage of a Pianist)
9. Sonates Da Chiesa & Da Camera
10. Sor: Introduction Op9; Fantasie Élégiaque in Cm

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

The Red Thread [Import]

Beginner's Mind

Best Of Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong

Music: Cole Porter Songbook

Basement Apes [Import]

Brown Sugar/Voodoo [Import]

Christmas

Baroque Music for Trumpet

Archive Series 2

Bicicleta [Import]

Best of 1990-2000/B-Sides [Limited Edition]

Antenna [Import]

Bangzilla [Import]

Grétry: Richard Coeur de Lion; Rousseau: Le Devin du village

Gnarkill