Gaudier Ensemble - Schubert: Octet (2003)

This disc, recorded in 2001, revisits an earlier recording made by the same group for ASV. This newer recording immediately impresses by its particularly faithful recording quality with the bass end of the instruments firmly placed but without undue prominence. This avoids any suggestion of bass heaviness leading to resonance or booming and allows the whole ensemble to benefit from a proper aural foundation. This sort of recorded accuracy is not as easy to achieve or as common to experience as one might hope so it deserves a special mention.

The Gaudier Ensemble is an expert group of musicians made up of leading solo and orchestral players who originally came together while participating in a summer musical event. This recording fully illustrates their expertise both technically and musically. Above all there is a real sense of the enjoyment of music making captured on this disc.

The octet was written towards the end of Schubert's life and was inspired by a request to compose a chamber work along the lines of Beethoven's very popular septet. Schubert happily accepted the request and the first private performances were made by the same players who had premièred Beethoven's work some twenty five years earlier.

The mood of the work is essentially one of happiness and good humour, but as is so often the case with Schubert's late works, there are moments of darkness or doubt that are quickly swept aside. There is a fair analogy to be made with Scottish weather here - generally fine and bright but with cloud and rain sweeping through and swiftly dispersed with windy conditions.

This is a most enjoyable version of this sunny work and benefits from excellent recording quality. I would suggest that it deserves to be seriously considered as a prime choice for potential purchase by those interested in the music. For those interested in a very good period instrument version with a bit more of a Viennese feel about it, I would suggest considering the Hausmusik version on EMI.