Search - Brahms, Schoenberg, Webern :: Piano Quintet / Chamber Symphony

Intelligent Reading

Tim | 10/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Brahms Quintet recording ranks among the Hagens' finest. It's a shame that it is not widely available. They are able to give a transparent and thoughtful reading. All interpretive decisions are no doubt based on they careful study of the score. This is a very revealing recording, it sounds fresh compare to all the other recordings out there seem to be filled with testosterone. The Hagens have such technical facility. The pianist Gulda is a sensitive partner. The recorded sound is also excellent, slightly more reverberant compare to their other dryer sounding Beethoven Quartet recordings. Highly recommended."

Brilliant acoustics, excellent interpretation well combined

Balthus | Budapest, Hungary | 04/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These two works, Brahms and Schönberg, live excellently together. We get them in the fine, completely dedicated performance of the Hagen Quartet and other initiated musicians. The acoustic merits of the recording show through from first second to last. All in all, this CD is a must for people with a sense for (late) Romantic and early Modern chamber music."