Composed during the final weeks of Schubert's life, the Quintet in C major for two violins, viola and two cellos ranks among his greatest accomplishments. Schubert's decision to use a second cello (rather than the second viola as in Mozart's quintets) adds to the overall richness of the piece and gives it a darker, more melancholy timbre. In its day, Schubert's Quintet was truly a revolutionary work. It is truly symphonic in scope, with 'orchestration' that mimics motifs characteristics of writing for winds and brass. This new recording from the Arcanto Quartet and cellist Olivier Marron (2004 first prize winner at the international Johann Sebastian Bach competition in Leipzig, Germany) illuminates the colors and decodes the complexities of this timeless masterpiece.

In addition to the traditional pairing of the Debussy and Ravel string quartets, the Arcanto Quartett performs Henri Dutilleux's Ainsi la Nuit (1971-1976), a grouping that is becoming increasingly popular on recordings. These are absolutely secure, thoughtful, self-effacing readings of the Debussy and the Ravel. While the quartet doesn't bring particular new revelations to the pieces, the members play with nuanced sensitivity and impeccable musicianship. The haunted quiet they achieve in the first part of the third movement of the Debussy is especially impressive, as is the clarity of their sense of direction and unity in the final movement, the most difficult of the four to pull off. Similarly in the Ravel, the contrast between the serenity of the third movement and the raw athleticism of the fourth is attention-grabbing and invigorating.