Ludwig Quartet - Johannes Brahms: String Quintets Nos. 1 and 2 (2017)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 271 Mb | Total time: 59:58 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Naxos | # 8.553635 | Recorded: 1995
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 271 Mb | Total time: 59:58 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Naxos | # 8.553635 | Recorded: 1995
Like Mozart, Brahms was a bit uncomfortable writing string quartets, where the desire to maintain an absolutely democratic discourse among the participants often led to overly dense textures and rhythmic heaviness. The extra viola part offered by the quintet medium, however, allowed both composers to relax a bit and write music with the richness of texture they both loved, without forcing. These two works really don't seem to get the attention that they deserve, either on recordings or in concert, but they are both vintage Brahms. Fortunately, Naxos seems to be dedicated to a complete survey of the chamber music of the great composers, and they are working with a very fine stable of artists.