Search - Franz [Vienna] Schubert, Leipziger Streichquartett :: Schubert: Complete String Quartets, Vol. 3

The Leipzig ensemble's approach to the Great C Major Quintet is somewhat unconventional. The expression of the first movement is relatively muted, although still effective, setting us up for the harrowing tragedy of the magnificent Adagio that follows. This shifting of weight and emphasis works out very well, and makes our ears even more welcoming to the dark humor of the Scherzo, which sometimes seems almost trivial in its context. Like most very early Schubert, the Overture (written when Schubert was 14) is naive music with touches of genius. (You can ignore the even earlier fragment unless you're writing a thesis.) Another winner in this wonderful series. --Leslie Gerber