Two Great Quintets

 

I was really taken by both of these chamber Quintets.

The Piano Quintet in G Major is pure joy, and I can understand why it is so popular. Only a little moodiness in its slow movement relinquishes what is otherwise a rather happy-go-lucky work.

In large part, I think the addition of piano in these works opens up a lot of possibilities for Franz Schmidt, at least as compared to his piano-less string quartets. The composer certainly manages to put both the string quartet and the left-handed piano on an even plane.

I was initially worried the Clarinet Quintet in B-flat Major was going in the same direction as Schmidt's String Quartet no. 2; that is, wrapped up in angsty chromaticism, which the opening movement is filled with. But, the sky opens up in the final two movements, with a tragic, yet songful middle movement, and a Classically simplistic, possibly folk-like tread in its finale.

It should be mentioned pianist Rainer Keuschnig plays the left-hand-only version of these quintets, as it was originally written for Paul Wittgenstein. The Quintets have since been adapted for two hands, a version which appears on some recordings, but not this one.

Otherwise, these Austrian players perform well enough and the Orfeo sound is just fine. If it seems I am less than enthusiastic, I feel this group could have afforded a grander sweep, maybe some more forward movement, although it should be noted the Clarinet Quintet is rarely recorded, so it hard to complain.

If you want both quintets gathered together, though, this is probably the place to get it.

Listen on YouTube

Works
Piano Quintet in G Major (39.19)
Clarinet Quintet in B-flat Major (38.22)

Soloists
Ernst Ottensamer, clarinet
Rainer Keuschnig, piano (left-hand)

Ensemble
Josef Hell, violin
Peter Wächter, violin
Peter Pecha, viola
Gerhard Iberer, cello
Leonhard Wallisch, cello

Label: Orfeo
Year: 1992
Total Timing: 78.03

 

 

 

I am becoming rather enthusiastic over the chamber music of Franz Schmidt.

Both of these Quintets have positive qualities, and all in all, the performances aren't too shabby either.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Find more Franz Schmidt recording HERE!