String Quintets & Sextets

For me, the Alexander String Quartet's complete Beethoven quartets, and set of the six "Haydn" quartets by Mozart, are the equal of any available. These works by Brahms are just as enjoyable, so if you think only of symphonies with this composer, these magnificent, mature, but still somewhat overlooked works may help change your mind.The playing and recording are all superb in every way - there is not a weak link. If you love these works and already have other versions, this set will be an essential addition to your collection. If you do not have any other versions, the decision is even easier. Unreservedly recommended.And if you enjoy the chamber music side of Brahms, also worth checking out is the Alexanders' (plus Joyce Yang) superb recording of his and Schumann's Piano Quintets on the same label (Foghorn).

ブラームスの室内楽で直近の録音はないものかと思い、購入いたしました。演奏速度は昔のウィーン六重奏団なんかと比べると比較的ゆっくりした感じ。どの曲についても非常に丁寧に進んでいく感があり、音色も透明感がありながら温かみもあって、自分の中では好感が持てました。音質もクリアで昔の録音では埋もれがちなヴィオラ・チェロもくっきり聞こえます。弦楽六重奏の二番は今まで聞いた中では一番好きです。勿論、他の収録作品も素敵です。演奏団体をまったく見ずに購入しましたが、まさしくアンサンブルといった感じです。オススメの一枚です。