Search - Einojuhani Rautavaara, Jan-Erik Gustafsson, Jean Sibelius Quartet :: Einojuhani Rautavaara: String Quintet "Unknown Heavens" / String Quartets 1 & 2 - Jean Sibelius Quartet

Sublime!

MCM | Sacramento, California USA | 04/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The String Quintet ("Unknown Heavens") was composed in 1997 and takes full use of an extra cello to give the ensemble more weight. The music is intoxicating and clearly the result of a master composer. There is a sensuous flow to the five voices as they cascade over each other; to listen is like immersing one's self in a playful stream. It is difficult to describe.The String Quartet Nos. 1 and 2 were composed much earlier in Rautavaara's life (1952 and 1958). The compositions seem greener than the Quintet and we can hear how much he has learned in the 40-odd years between. The music is less wise, more jagged and dramatic, but still interesting.The Jean Sibelius Quartet play wonderfully and the recording is top notch."