Fiona Maddocks 

Schubert: String Quintet – review

The Arcanto Quartett and Olivier Marron are a dream team, writes Fiona Maddocks
  
  


The Arcanto Quartett, founded in 2002 and consisting of four fine soloists – Antje Weithaas and Daniel Sepec (violins), Tabea Zimmermann (viola) and Jean-Guihen Queyras (cello) – brings dazzling invention to music of all kinds. For Schubert's Quintet they're joined by cellist Olivier Marron, an ideal partner. Can the market bear another recording of a work so popular as to be almost hackneyed? Yes, when the playing has the detail, the muscularity, the daring and sparkle displayed here. Tempi are brisk but not rushed; vibrato is kept under tight rein and the slow movement sings tenderly rather than sobs, making it all the more expressive. The outer movements shine in perfect but vigorous ensemble.

 

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