Simply put, this is a superb disc. Artists and repertoire are a perfect match – and what repertoire! Schubert’s Quintet is one of those pieces where every idea is musical gold and the juxtaposition of those ideas creates a totally captivating masterpiece. No matter that the work lasts some 55 minutes: chronological time seems hardly to register at all. In fact, there are moments (like the outer sections of the second-movement Adagio) where time seems utterly suspended and we are given a glimpse of eternity.

This extraordinary outpouring from the very end of Schubert’s all too brief life is given a deeply thoughtful and beautifully polished reading by the Takács with guest cellist Ralph Kirshbaum, who fits seamlessly into the musical fabric. Underpinning the many glories of this recording is an exceptional sense of ensemble that generates the most finely gradated variations in timbre and texture. (The first two movements abound in wonderful examples of subtle colouring.)

From the very first chord that emerges from sonic darkness, it is clear that the players will not shy away from probing the complexity of emotion that Schubert presents in this piece. The constantly changing light and shade of the music is movingly projected not only in the first movement, but also in the third-movement Scherzo where the eerie, slow Trio provides significant dramatic contrast. Delicacy, warmth and great pathos pervade the outer sections of the sublime Adagio without ever hinting of sentimentality. Delivered with passionate intensity, the restive central section also testifies to the emotional candour of the music.

The zesty finale does not overstep the composer’s direction of Allegretto, and in so doing has an appropriate rustic swagger. Lest you think that everything has been just a shade too controlled thus far, there is a truly abandoned dash to the finish line, via those astonishing flashes of harmonic brilliance that make the conclusion so memorable. As a makeweight the quartet gives us the so-called Quartettsatz, the only completed movement of a projected quartet in C Minor. Once again the players are in sparkling form, making both the mercurial and lyrical elements of the score equally attractive.

This is both a logical and equally rewarding sequel to the Takács’s first Schubert disc for Hyperion (a highly acclaimed recital featuring the Death and the Maiden quartet). Don’t hesitate to acquire this new disc. You won’t be disappointed.

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