Search - Franz Schubert [composer], Lindsay String Quartet, Douglas Cummings :: Schubert String Quintet in C, D. 956

What Is More Important?

Daniel Klingler | Chicago, IL United States | 11/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Lindsays are by no means the most technically brilliant string quartet around. Yet, they put a breath into the music they play which brings it stunningly to life. This recording of the Schubert other "Great C Major" is one of the most musically satisfying around. While other groups (i.e. the Emersons, the Berg, the Cleveland, and the likes) may have a finer polish and shine, they often make me feel more in tune with their individual personalities rather than with Schubert's. With the Lindsays I feel less interested in their four/five abilities and more interested with the task at hand: the experience of perhaps the greatest piece of chamber music ever written. For those who are excited by blood racing tempos and lush, soloistic string tone, this recording is not for you. For those who want to hear an intimate journey into the mind and world of one of histories most inspired composers, do not hesitate to experience this performance. Other great experiences include an all-star quintet with Pablo Casals on Sony, the Hollywood Quartet and friend on Testament, and the Guarneri with Bernie Greenhouse on Phillips (if you can find it)."

Depth without sentiment

Porat Y C Jacobson | 05/01/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These are inspired interpretations, of the highest order - intelligent, musical performances. If you put aside all preconceptions as to what Schubert should sound like, and do what every listener is supposed to do - clear the sheet and allow the interpreters to unravel the music for you - then get this CD (in my case the box set of late Schubert quartets plus quintet in C). You will be absorbed from beginning to end. This is direct, clean, detailed playing, sensitive to the overall micro and macro patterns forming continually as the music unfolds.



A word directed at Sky: to have reservations about Lindsay's playing or to prefer other approaches is one thing, but to call them "scrappy" is just so off the mark, that I just wonder if he/she does not write for a competing label him/herself! This quartet is attune to every nuance of the music. They have thought out these pieces so deeply, they play with such attention to intonation and sound, every part of their shaping is so deliberate, that to call them 'scrappy' is ... well, scrappy.



These are simply the bravest, most thoughtful (and if you are an 'open listener', inspiring) interpretations you will ever hear."