Johannes Brahms: 2 String Quintets

On this CD:

1. String Quintet No. 1 in F major ("Spring"), Op. 88
Composed by Johannes Brahms

2. String Quintet No. 2 in G major, Op. 111
Composed by Johannes Brahms

3. Abendständchen ("Hör, es klagt die Flöte wieder"), for chorus, Op. 42/1
Composed by Johannes Brahms

4. Nachtwache (i) ("Leise Töne der Brust"), for chorus (vocal sextet), Op. 104/1
Composed by Johannes Brahms

Johannes Brahms: 2 String Quintets, Music, Johannes Brahms, Vienna String Sextet, Chamber, Chamber Music & Recitals, Choral, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Quintet for Five String Instruments, Secular Choral Music a capella

Brahms: Complete String Quartets, Quintets & Sextets
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

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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:

Protestant Work Ethic
Very good ALL STEREO recording; great value
Brahms quintets
First-Rate Quintets

Brahms: The Complete Quintets

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000041C0
Release Date: 1995-06-13

Tracks:

Piano Quintet In F Minor, Op. 34: 1. Allegro non troppo
Piano Quintet In F Minor, Op. 34: 2. Andante, un poco adagio
Piano Quintet In F Minor, Op. 34: 3. Scherzo. Allegro
Piano Quintet In F Minor, Op. 34: 4. Finale. Poco sotenuto - Allegro non troppo
The Complete Quintets: 1. Allegro non tropo, ma con brio
The Complete Quintets: 2. Grave ed appassionato - Allegretto vivace - Tempo I - Presto
String Quintet in F, Op. 88: 3. Allegro energico

Tracks:

String Quintet In G, Op.111: 1. Allegro non troppo, ma con brio
String Quintet In G, Op.111: 2. Adagio
String Quintet In G, Op.111: 3. Un poco allegretto
String Quintet In G, Op.111: 4. Vivace ma non troppo presto
Clarinet Quintet In B Minor, Op.115: 1. Allegro
Clarinet Quintet In B Minor, Op.115: 2. Adagio
Clarinet Quintet In B Minor, Op.115: 3. Andantino - Presto non assai, ma con sentimento
Clarinet Quintet In B Minor, Op.115: 4. Con moto

Customer Reviews:

Protestant Work Ethic.......2007-02-17

When I first heard Brahms' prodigious Piano Quintet in F minor on a Columbia vinyl in the 1960s, the performance struck me as rough. The Werner Haas performance seems smoother; but the initial impression of roughness derives from the composition itself. The work comes from the same early stage of Brahms' career as the D minor piano concerto and like it is some of the stormiest romantic music ever written. When the main theme of the first movement gets started, it could not be more emphatic; the strings sound momentarily distraught despite going on to gentler music in major key. There may be something truculent about the key of F minor; but the music sounds like a personal, Promethean manifesto in the same way as the D minor concerto. Throughout his career Brahms sounds a note of stressful effort-- a quality he seemed to derive in part from Beethoven. The effect is the opposite of Mozart's impression of effortlessness based on the "art of concealing art." Because Brahms was from Hamburg in Protestant northern Germany, I associate this impression of stern effort with the "Protestant work ethic." Brahms reinforced this impression when he said that he envied Johann Strauss for his ability to produce so many popular melodies. Although Brahms is profoundly eloquent in his own way, easy gracefulness was not in him.

Even in the slow second movement of the F minor quintet, Brahms sounds as though he is grunting and sweating. In the 1960s my young wife used to refer to Brahms as a "tired old man." Although there is nothing tired about the music itself, it can make a hearer feel fatigued from the perpetual sense of effort. Brahms supposedly derived from Schumann; but Schumann's music is more fluent and impulsive. Brahms and Beethoven are the definition of compulsiveness in music. I was not surprised to discover that Beethoven once said, "Artists are fiery and do not weep"-- fiery, choleric, headstrong and compulsive. What I hear in Brahms' music is the same cultural theme as in Tennyson's poems "Ulysses" and "The Lotus-Eaters"-- an effort to keep striving rather than dropping out of history and turning into the likes of Debussy, master of the drifting "Lotus Eaters."

What could be more compulsive than the relentless, hammering chords of the third movement of Brahms' piano quintet? The rhythm of this movement sounds like a horse managing to gallop despite having its hind legs tied together. When the composer turns to the "Poco sostenuto" at the start of the fourth movement, he halts the tempo and gives us a taste of hot tears, followed by more sound and fury signifying much. In this "Allegro non troppo," he turns to wild Gypsy music for an outlet. The work is an expressive masterpiece and furnishes a striking contrast to the equally engaging Piano Quintet in A minor by Swiss Joachim Raff. Raff's piece starts off with a comparable sense of struggle but is smoother, more gracefully lyrical and less dramatic than Brahms' furious work. Whenever I deal with Raff now, I react against a hideously negative and misguided response to his music in the Music Guide. In an environment created by such reviews, I recommend an experiment. Play Brahms' and Raff's piano quintets one after another starting with Brahms and try to explain away the sense of complementary balance and plenitude achieved by these two contrasting styles.

Very good ALL STEREO recording; great value.......2006-02-02

There is nothing mono on this CD, contrary to one reviewer's comments.

If this were a "full price" CD pair, I might have rated it with a four=star mark. (Again, why won't Amazon allow half-star ratings?)

I don't like Brahms too romanticized, but thought the clarinet in the Clarinet Quintet could actually have used a bit more of that.

Brahms quintets.......2005-07-24

A valuable performance of all Brahms quintets in one set of CD's, which pays off for the fact that this is a relatively old Mono recording.

First-Rate Quintets.......2003-11-04

I love the Philips Duo series -- you always get a lot of music in slim, space-saving jewel cases for surprisingly little money. This outstanding CD collects all four of Brahms' Quintets as performed by pianist Werner Haas and/or members of the Berlin Philharmonic Octet from the early 1970s. Originally I had bought three different CDs in order to get the very same music featured on this set -- the String Quintets by Juilliard with Walter Trampler added, the Piano Quintet (with the Dvorak PQ as well) by Guarneri and Rubinstein, and the Clarinet Quintet (coupled with Mozart's) by Emerson. Those performances were all excellent but when I began running out of room on my CD shelves (a constant problem for us serious collectors), I wised up and replaced three CDs with this one Philips Duo two-fer. Well, I certainly didn't sacrifice musical quality in my quest to consolidate my holdings. If I had to do it all over again, I would just buy this title and save myself some time, money and space.

Brahms: String Quintets Nos. 1 & 2, Opp. 88 & 111

Average customer rating:

Just to clarify

Brahms: String Quintets Nos. 1 & 2, Opp. 88 & 111

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005NWO4
Release Date: 2001-09-11

Tracks:

Quintet No. 1 in F Major, Op. 88: I. Allegro Non Troppo Ma Con Brio
Quintet No. 1 in F Major, Op. 88: II. Grave Ed Appassionato - Allegretto Vivace - Tempo I - Presto - Tempo I
Quintet No. 1 in F Major, Op. 88: III. Allegro Energico - Presto
Quintet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 111: I. Allegro Non Troppo Ma Con Brio
Quintet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 111: II. Adagio
Quintet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 111: III. Un Poco Allegretto
Quintet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 111: IV. Vivace Ma Non Troppo Presto

Customer Reviews:

Just to clarify.......2006-07-21

If there's anyone else out there who wondered if this budget release of the two Brahms string quintets was the new or the old one from the Juilliard with Walter Trampler, I compared the timings, and they are identical to the full-priced DDD recording from 1996. See my review of these superlative performances under that listing.

In the meantime, whatever happened to those older versions in analog sound from the Sixties? They led the field in those days, as this new CD leads the field today.

Average customer rating:

Brahms: Quintets Op. 111 & 115

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
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ASIN: B00005B6RK
Release Date: 2001-07-10

Average customer rating:

Scrumptious Brahms Scrumptiously Played

Brahms: String Quintets, Opp. 88 & 111

Manufacturer: MD&G Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Brahms: Complete String Quartets, Quintets & Sextets

ASIN: B0002CHL0I
Release Date: 2004-09-21

Tracks:

Allegro Non Troppo, Ma Con Brio
Adagio
Un Poco Allegretto
Vivace Ma Non Troppo Presto
Allegro Non Troppo Ma Con Brio
Grave Ed Appassionato - Allegretto Vivace
Allegro Energico

Customer Reviews:

Scrumptious Brahms Scrumptiously Played.......2004-11-05

I yield to no one in my love for the Brahms String Quintets. And I've collected versions going back to one made by the principal players of the Boston Symphony more than twenty years ago; it's still one of my favorites. But, truth to tell, I've never encountered a bad recording of these two works. I know that they are great favorites of string players and the 'name' quartets love having a guest violist sitting in; I suppose that breaks somewhat the monotony of playing with just the same people day in and day out. Be that as it may, the Leipzig Quartet has just issued this set of performances and they are terrific. First, I must say that MDG has given them warm, spacious sound. Second, their guest violist, Hartmut Rohde, fits right in. The Leipzigs have been making quite a name for themselves lately, having recorded all the Schuberts and the rarely recorded Reger quartet. They certainly have the high-Romantic sound in their ears, fingers and bow arms. They do not, however, have only one (Romantic) arrow in their quiver: they also have recorded all of Charles Ives's music for string quartet!

Is there anyone who can resist that glorious tune that opens and then dominates the first movement of the Op. 88 Quintet? OK, maybe Brahms repeats it a time or two too often in that long movement, but I for one never tire of it. Surely it is one of his happiest creations. The Leipzigers play it and the succeeding three movements with plenty of juice, just the way I like my Brahms. I despair when people say Brahms is an 'academic' or 'dry' composer whose use of old, classic forms is a throwback. (Are there really any people left who feel they have to diss Brahms in order to support Wagner?) These quintets certainly put the lie to that canard. This is hugely expressive music that, nonetheless, is best suited for the intimacy of a chamber music setting, not an orchestra. Brahms knew what he was doing.

The performance of the more popular Op. 111 quintet is just as good. The cellist starts things off with a spectacular statement of that first movement cello theme, reaching for the sky over the throbbing chords of his colleagues. This cello melody is hard to put across in the concert hall sometimes but here the sound seems to expand and carry one away. Again, there is simply nothing to criticize about the Leipzigers' performance. Make no mistake, this quartet is one of the best groups around and here they are on top of their form.

So, even if you already have several recordings of these pieces (and I would recommend those of the Hagen and Ludwig Quartets and of the Raphael Ensemble, as well as that old one on Nonesuch with the Boston Symphony players), you probably ought to investigate this new release. Listen to the snippets which presumably will soon be available here from Amazon and see if you don't agree.

TT=55 mins.

Scott Morrison

Brahms: String Quintets, op. 88 & 111 (Hagen Quartet, Gerard Causse)

Average customer rating:

Good Stuff

Brahms: String Quintets, op. 88 & 111 (Hagen Quartet, Gerard Causse)

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000012YW
Release Date: 1997-02-10

Tracks:

Str Qnt No.1 in F, Op.88: 1. Allegro Non Troppo Ma Con Brio
Str Qnt No.1 in F, Op.88: 2. Grave Ed Appassionato - Allegretto Vivace - Tempo I - Presto - Tempo I
Str Qnt No.1 in F, Op.88: 3. Allegro Energico
Str Qnt No.2 in G, Op.111: 1. Allegro Non Troppo, Ma Con Brio
Str Qnt No.2 in G, Op.111: 2. Adagio
Str Qnt No.2 in G, Op.111: 3. Un Poco Allegretto
Str Qnt No.2 in G, Op.111: 4. Vivace Ma Non Troppo Presto

Customer Reviews:

Good Stuff.......2003-03-03

The Hagen quartet, although not very well known in the USA, is a fine German quartet with a substantial career in Europe.
These recordings of the Quintets are very good and full of energy and passion. I particularly enjoyed the G major Quintet, which I think can stand along side the very best music that Brahms ever wrote.
Gerard Causse, one of the top violists today, is a more than able collaborator.
These viola quintets are not very often heard and it is really a shame!

Average customer rating:

Brahms lacks brio, needs more energico
great value and a nice performance
The Brahms String Quintets on Naxos
Wonderful music!
Buy this....

Brahms: String Quintets Nos. 1 & 2

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Brahms: String Sextets Nos. 1 & 2

ASIN: B0000014A9
Release Date: 1996-07-09

Tracks:

String Quintets No. 1 In F Major, Op. 88: Allegro non troppo ma con brio
String Quintets No. 1 In F Major, Op. 88: Grave ed appassionato - Allegro vivace - Presto
String Quintets No. 1 In F Major, Op. 88: Allegro energico - Presto
String Quintet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 111: Allegro non troppo, ma con brio
String Quintet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 111: Adagio
String Quintet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 111: Un poco allegretto
String Quintet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 111: Vicace ma non troppo presto

Amazon.com

Like Mozart, Brahms was a bit uncomfortable writing string quartets, where the desire to maintain an absolutely democratic discourse among the participants often led to overly dense textures and rhythmic heaviness. The extra viola part offered by the quintet medium, however, allowed both composers to relax a bit and write music with the richness of texture they both loved, without forcing. These two works really don't seem to get the attention that they deserve, either on recordings or in concert, but they are both vintage Brahms. Fortunately, Naxos seems to be dedicated to a complete survey of the chamber music of the great composers, and they are working with a very fine stable of artists. This disc is no exception. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Brahms lacks brio, needs more energico.......2006-03-07

Despite some very pretty playing, this is a disappointing CD. Tempi are often much too slow and the performances lack the required energy and spirit. The recording, made in 1995, is not as clear as some made 20 years earlier. These quintets are first-class pieces and deserve better.

great value and a nice performance.......2005-09-22

I always found Brahms quartets a bit lacking (although I still do enjoy them), and I think part of the reason is that the medium didn't really allow him to compose in a style natural to him. The pieces lack the lyrical flair and inventiveness to which he owes his fame. Conversely, these string quintets, with the added viola a la Mozart, allow Brahms to write in the style he is best known for - lyrical and thematically dense and full of polyphonics. It's a shame that there are not more recordings of these pieces to be purchased - a quick scan shows no more than 15 recordings of either piece, some on obscure labels. This disc, like much of the Naxos catalog, offers an inexpensive and very well performed and recorded alternative to the rest of the entries.
I do enjoy this disc, and it is a very nice performance, but for me, my favorite version is the Hagen Quartet's Deutsche Grammophone (import) offering of the two pieces. It's more expensive, but it is worth the price in my opinion (if it is even still in print.) Another alternative would be the Leipzig Quartet on MD&G. However this recording is more than suitable for anyone who would like to expand their collection of Brahms' chamber works. It is some of his best chamber music, along with the Clarinet Quintet op. 115.

The Brahms String Quintets on Naxos.......2005-02-24

Here is an outstanding opportunity to explore Brahms' two string quintets beautifully played at a budget price. Brahms wrote his two string quintets at the height of his creative powers using, as did Mozart in his quintets, an additional viola to add to the string quartet. These works are both lyrical and accessible, full of waltz melodies and gypsy tunes. The performers on this CD are the Ludwig Quartet, a French ensemble which has served as the resident quartet at Yale University, together with violist Bruno Pasquier. The CD is ideal for the listener wanting to get to know Brahms's chamber music.

Brahms composed the string quintet no. 1 in F major, op. 88 in 1882. By this time, he had composed his first two symphonies, the second piano concerto, and the violin concerto. The quintet is in three movements rather than the usual four and features melody. This quintet is one of Brahms's less often played chamber works. The first movement opens with a lyrical, strong, and rocking theme reminiscent of Schubert followed by a slower, even more songlike theme given first to the cello and then to the upper strings. The themes are developed with counterpoint, and upon the return the five instruments play in unison to lead to a triumphant conclusion. The second movement is actually a combination of a slow movement and a scherzo. It opens with a glowing slow theme in the middle strings which is interupted twice by rapid passages, in which Brahms borrowed from works written in his youth. The finale is in sonata form but is in counterpoint throughout. It opens with two large chords. Listen for the lively, giddy and piping theme that occurs throughout this movement in the high register of the violin accompanied by the low register of the cello.

The string quintet no 2 in G major op. 111 dates from 1890. By this time, Brahms had composed all four of his symphonies and had some fear that he might be burned-out as a composer. In fact, he wrote this work as his farewell to composition, but, fortunately, he did not follow-through on his intention. The work is in four movements, with the outer movements being strong and cheerful and the two middle movements melancholy and reflective. The work opens with a powerful theme for the cello which has to battle against a loud, ringing accompaniment in the higher strings to make itself heard. Brahms initially intended the opening theme of this work for a symphony. The second theme is a Vienniese dance which moves gracefully from the lower to the upper strings. The opening movement is lengthy but tightly written. It is exquisitely performed here. The second movement is a theme with variations that builds in intensity. Note the long frilly cadence for the solo viola before the theme returns near the end of the movement. (The term for this type of solo passage is "roulade".) The third movement is quiet and melancholy, slightly quick, with a contrasting waltz-like section in the middle. The finale is a brief and lively rondo, and in it Brahms used gypsy themes. Note the very fast, jerky dancing theme with which Brahms brings the work to a joyous conclusion. This quintet has always been more frequently performed than the first quintet.

Brahms himself expressed special affection for both his string quintets. In their lyricism and strength, they are excellent works for the new listener to Brahms's chamber music. I encourage you to get to know Brahms's string quintets with this fine CD.

Wonderful music!.......2002-12-23

Once again I'm struck by the excellence of offerings from the Naxos label. I've been adding to my modest collection of works by Brahms. I'm familiar with his piano quintet but hadn't heard either string quintet before. The addition of a second viola creates a luscious sound that is quite wonderful. As I write my review I'm listening to this noteworthy performance. I'm not educated in the subtleties of orchestral music, so I can't comment on details of the performance. But I've been a singer much of my life and feel I have a very good ear. I love what I'm hearing in this compact disc. I doubt you would do better if you paid twice the very reasonable price of this recording. I encourage you to try this and other Naxos titles. You won't regret it.

Buy this...........2000-08-03

This is a great cd. The Ludwig Quartet and Bruno Pasquier blend perfectly, and their tone is sweet and full. The viola solos are beautiful and for just 6 bucks, it's a tremendous bargain for such a wonderful recording.

Average customer rating:

Insightful and intense

Brahms: String Quintets

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Johannes Brahms: String Sextet Nos. 1 & 2
Schubert: String Quintet D 956, String Trio
Brahms: Complete Piano Trios
Brahms: The Three String Quartets; Piano Quintet
Brahms: Complete String Quartets, Quintets & Sextets

ASIN: B000002ZWC
Release Date: 1996-03-11

Tracks:

String Quintet No. 1 In F Major, Opus 88: Allegro non troppo ma con brio
String Quintet No. 1 In F Major, Opus 88: Grave ed appassionato - Allegretto vivace - Tempo I - Presto - Temp I
String Quintet No. 1 In F Major, Opus 88: Allegro energico - Presto
String Quintet No. 2 In G Major, Opus 111: Allegro non troppo ma coin brio
String Quintet No. 2 In G Major, Opus 111: Adagio
String Quintet No. 2 In G Major, Opus 111: Un poco allegretto
String Quintet No. 2 In G Major, Opus 111: Vivace ma non troppo presto - Animato

Customer Reviews:

Insightful and intense.......2003-10-07

The unfolding of autumn puts me in the mood to listen to some of the later chamber works of Brahms. In a recent review I wrote on the Dvorak Piano Quintets, I remarked that when it came to chamber music, of all composers, Dvorak gave me the most pure joy and spiritual satisfaction. However, my experience with Brahms in this genre has been the most satisfying in terms of aesthetic richness, although there have been times when I have felt a little less than fulfilled while listening to some portions of some of his later compositions. I almost sense, at times, a creatively weary Brahms, though I suppose some would say, "no, just a mellower Brahms." However, at this time, I find Brahms' opus 88 String Quintet to be rather more gratifying than his later opus 111, especially in terms of melodic inventiveness. I can't quite relate to the first, second and third movements of the Second Quintet with the same degree of appreciation I have for the fourth movement, and the entire earlier quintet. In any event, the Raphael Ensemble certainly does an excellent job of conveying both a sense of perceptiveness and elan in its presentation of these works. In the First Quintet, its quality of youthful freshness is particularly apparent. It comes into play especially during the first movement, with its noble sounding opening theme, and its wonderful, swaying second subject that exhibits a charming Viennese character. The development section that follows evinces a feeling of warmth and a lovely intertwining of melodies. In the third and final movement, the group's presentation is absolutely exhilarating. Not to shortchange the second movement, you will find there a very nicely shaped contrast in moods between delightfulness and seriousness. The Second Quintet is executed also in a very fine manner, despite my aforementioned reservations. There is true poignancy of emotional expression throughout the work. The last movement has a marvelous, seemingly valedictory quality.

While there is another superb coupling of these quintets, offered by the Julliard Quartet with Walter Trampler on Sony Essential Classics, my preference is for the Raphael's renditions. Some may appreciate the Julliard/Trampler for its somewhat mellower presentation. On the other hand, the Raphael is recorded more vividly on the Hyperion label. I really doubt that one could go wrong with either set.

Average customer rating:

I like the sextets
Old wine HAS matured....................
Buy it for Brahms' Clarinet Quintet

Brahms: Quintets/Sextets

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Sextets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Liszt: Sonata in B Minor; Bénédiction de Dieu dans la solitude
Schubert: Winterreise
Stravinsky Conducts Stravinsky: The Mono Years 1952-1955
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4; Midsummer Night's Dream
Haydn: Die Schöpfung [Germany]

ASIN: B000001G8J
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

String Sextet In B Flat Major, Op. 18: 1. Allegro ma non troppo
String Sextet In B Flat Major, Op. 18: 2. Thema con Variazioni. Andante, ma moderato
String Sextet In B Flat Major, Op. 18: 3. Scherzo. Allegro molto - Trio. Animato
String Sextet In B Flat Major, Op. 18: 4. Rondo. Poco Allegretto e grazioso
String Sextet In G Major, Op. 36: 1. Allegro non troppo
String Sextet In G Major, Op. 36: 2. Scherzo. Allegro non troppo - Presto giocoso - Tempo I
String Sextet In G Major, Op. 36: 3. Poco Allegro
String Sextet In G Major, Op. 36: 4. Poco Allegro

Tracks:

Quintet For Piano, 2 Violins, Viola And Violoncello In F Minor, Op. 34 -: 1. Allegro non troppo - Poco sostenuto - Temp I
Quintet For Piano, 2 Violins, Viola And Violoncello In F Minor, Op. 34 -: 2. Andante, un poco Adagio
Quintet For Piano, 2 Violins, Viola And Violoncello In F Minor, Op. 34 -: 3. Scherzo. Allegro - Trio
Quintet For Piano, 2 Violins, Viola And Violoncello In F Minor, Op. 34 -: 4. Finale. Poco sostenuto - Allegro non troppo- Tempo I - Presto, non troppo
String Quintet In F Major, Op. 88: 1. Allegro non troppo ma con brio
String Quintet In F Major, Op. 88: 2. Grave ed appassionato - Allegretto vivace - Tempo I - Presto
String Quintet In F Major, Op. 88: 3. Fiale. Allegro energico

Tracks:

String Quintet In G Major, Op. 111: 1. Allegro non troppo, ma con brio
String Quintet In G Major, Op. 111: 2. Adagio
String Quintet In G Major, Op. 111: 3. Un poco Allegretto
String Quintet In G Major, Op. 111: 4. Vivace, ma non troppo presto
Quintet For Clarinet, 2 violins, Viola, and Violoncello In B Minor , Op. 115: 1. Allegro
Quintet For Clarinet, 2 violins, Viola, and Violoncello In B Minor , Op. 115: 2. Adagio
Quintet For Clarinet, 2 violins, Viola, and Violoncello In B Minor , Op. 115: 3. Andantino - Presto non assai, ma con sentimento
Quintet For Clarinet, 2 violins, Viola, and Violoncello In B Minor , Op. 115: 4. Con moto

Customer Reviews:

I like the sextets.......2001-11-04

I love the Brahms sextets. Both of them. However, don't write your book review over this recording (you might have a few surprises if you have the score in front of you!) What happened to the expositions?! What happened to a lot of other things...
Where is the old Marlborough Festival recording with (I believe) Casals, Stern, et al?

Old wine HAS matured...........................2000-12-16

I am indeed surprised that there is only one review for such a masterly work. Do not go by the year that it has been perfromed in because it is better than most modern recordings, I agree with the reviewer before me that the clarinet quintet is really good but, i would like to add that so is the other work specially the piano quintet. The recording is crisp and most importantly clear, there is no distortion of any kind. The Amadeus Quartet seems to have only one thing on their mind and that is to deliver a smooth interpretation of the sextets and quintets.

Finally let me put it this way the playing is slow I have to admit, but I prefer to walk with Brahms music than run with it. A little patience on your part will reward you with one of the best chamber music ever.

Buy it for Brahms' Clarinet Quintet.......2000-06-21

After I loved DG's vynil record of Brahms' clarinet quintet, Im glad to have found this performance on this CD.

The quintet is thoughtful. Slow, but very rich. You should concetrate while listening to it, but you'll be rewarded.

Leister's clarinet is rich and emotional. The co-operation between the amadeus quartet and the clarinet is also very good.

Tracks:

Quintet No. 1 In F Major, Op.88: I. Allegro non troppo ma con brio
Quintet No. 1 In F Major, Op.88: II. Grave ed appassionato - Allegro vivate - Tempo I - Presto - Tempo I
Quintet No. 1 In F Major, Op.88: III. Allegro energico - Presto
Quintet No.2 In G Major, Op. 111: I. Allegro non troppo, ma con brio
Quintet No.2 In G Major, Op. 111: II. Adagio
Quintet No.2 In G Major, Op. 111: III. Un poco allegretto
Quintet No.2 In G Major, Op. 111: IV. Vivace ma non troppo presto

Customer Reviews:

Sublime readings of Brahms's neglected string quintets.......2006-07-21

This is a new, 1996 digital recording from the Juilliard Qt., which if I am not mistaken replaces an older analog recording from the Sixties. It's confusing, because I can't find that older version on CD, and to intensify my muddle, Walter Trampler was also the extra violist back then (I think). Anyway, the older musicians of the Juilliard no longer hit every note perfeclty in tune, and the digital sonics can be a bit edgy. For all that, these are great performances, a combinaiton of heart, style, and decades of experience.

Both of Brahms's string quintets are among his most appealing chamber pieces, unrelieved in their sunniness. It's a shame they aren't better known. Aside form this CD, there's one of Quintet #2 that gathers together a starry cast (Isaac Stern, Jaime Laredo, Michael Tree, Cho-Liang Lin, Yo-Yo Ma) to honor Stern's career in chamber music--it's on Sony, too, and is the only reading I've ever heard that surpasses this one.

full bodied, passionate.......2003-11-13

As a string player, I would like to heartily recommend this recording of the Brahms String Quintets. The Julliard is a first rate ensemble- at their best, playing with unbridled passion, conviction, and zeal as they do here on this recording. In addition, the mellower passages of this music possess the appropriate breadth and warmth one would expect. The playing IS in tune, contrary to the opinion of one of the other reviewers, and the vibrato appropriate to late Romantic style. In addition, Walter Trampler, whom I met and with whom I played a concert of Britten's Lachrymae for viola and orchestra, contributes his rich sound and sensitive and sensible phrasing to the proceedings, always with sincerity and heart. The Raphael Ensemble also plays these quintets beautifully, but I would still choose the Julliard and Trampler - mature artists at the height of their expressive powers.

Still disappointed.......2000-12-12

I've given this CD a 3-week trial and am still disappointed. The performance is technically accomplished and the tempos wisely chosen. But the Juilliard's use of vibrato is distracting and, coupled with the recording's rather thin sound, never allows me to relax and get into the music.

A fantastic recording.......2000-12-05

The first review of this CD here describing it as "vulgar and out-of-tune" is ridiculous. This is a very polished, well-performed and well-recorded CD of the Brahms string quintets. The Juilliard String Quartet and Walter Trampler do a wonderful job on this album, in spite of what some yahoo may say.

Vulgar? I Think Not..........2000-01-19

I guess Amazon doesn't audit the reviews submitted to their website too carefully. I'm not sure who this yahoo is who entered the review below, but what does he mean "vulgar"? That adjective seems grossly out of place. And what is indicated by "out of tune"? Is he suggesting that they did not tune up their instruments before making the recording? That is preposterous. However, I prefer to think he is a negative half-wit who speaks before thinking (if indeed he "thought" at all).

The bottom line: this is a nice recording, if not superlative. The Julliard are a top flight ensemble, and they are not capable of "vulgarity".

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