Search - Beethoven, Mozart, Barenboim :: Quintets

A Textbook Performance

K. Peters | 11/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With such a fine group of musicians, how could you go wrong?



Barenboim plays with both precision and sensitivity, Combs plays with energy infused with his lovely tone, and both pieces are masterfully played by the ensemble with a solid sense of balance and excellent color. Chamber music leaves very little room for error, either individual or ensemble, but this recording was a smooth execution from all performers. What makes this album so enjoyable (and a great reference recording) is the attention to detail. Mozart's music is typically full of light lifts and gentle swells... without it, Mozart's effervescent playfulness is lost. The Beethoven is only slightly more boisterous at times, this being a rather early work in his career and still in the Classical Era.



Excellent for study or casual listening."