FRANZ SCHUBERT (1797-1828)

 

Piano Quintet in A, Op. posth. 114 - D. 667

Forellenquintett - Trout Quintet

Variations on Trockne Blumen for flute and piano, Op. posth. 160 - D. 802

Piano Trio (Notturno) in E flat Op. posth. 148 – D. 897

 

Martin Helmchen - piano

Christian Tetzlaff - violin

Antoine Tamestit - viola

Marie-Elisabeth Hecker - cello

Alois Posch - double bass

Aldo Baerten - wooden flute by A. Braun

 

Martin Helmchen and Christian Tetzlaff lead a superb line-up of young musicians in these, some of the best loved, of all chamber works.

 

“This is a marvellous disc, one of the most enjoyable I have heard in a long time. It is distinguished by superb sound too. There is a great line-up of soloists who seem to have clicked miraculously, with the result that they deliver a more completely satisfactory account of the Trout Quintet than any I have ever heard before.” BBC Music Magazine, July 2009

 

“Martin Helmchen is the sparkling pianist: fluent, lithe but never histrionic, not imposing himself: all five players really do seem to be equals….The variation movement, starting with a refined and restrained utterance of the song, swims along delectably….I have fallen for this PentaTone release hook, line and sinker.” International Record Review, July/August 2009

 

“The clarity of separation between the instruments in the Trout is owed in part to the recording but also to the performers themselves, a well attuned group. Helmschen ensures that the opening of the variation movement quoting the song “Die Forelle”, is far gentler than usual, obeying the score, and the climax brings wonderfully bouncy playing leading to a jaunty account of the finale.” Gramophone, September 2009

 

“There’s a delicious sense of music-making among friends in this fresh and very appealing disc – which is just how Schubert’s ‘Trout’ Quintet should be. The young German pianist Martin Helmchen sounds born to play Schubert, audibly at home in his serious, idealistic and distant-yet-sociable world. Tetzlaff’s violin playing is always a joy.” Classic FM Magazine, September 2009

 

Pentatone SACD PTC5186334