Tokyo String Quartet - Brahms: Quintets Op.34 & Op.115 (2012) [SACD]

The Tokyo String Quartet is joined by pianist Jon Nakamatsu and clarinetist Jon Manasse in a recording of chamber music masterpieces by Johannes Brahms dating from two very different periods in his life. The tumultuous Piano Quintet, Op.34 is the fiery work of an ambitious young man and the Clarinet Quintet, Op.115 is an autumnal serenade by an experienced master. The composer's journey between these two milestones was one marked by criticism, soul searching and ultimately, triumph.

"both works receive performances that understand and warmly identify with Brahms's intentions: the playing is expressive and there is an obvious love of the music throughout. The Tokyo Quartet players, in both, are a rock-steady basis for the ensemble, and the two soloists...temper virtuosity with a fine sense of their role as an integral part of a chamber group." (BBC Music Magazine)

"the extraordinary homogeneity of sound that comes from a complete quartet of matching instruments is most apparent [in the Piano Quintet]...[the Clarinet Sonata] does occasionally suffer from being a little muscled along. However, the beauty of the blend is so total that it is not difficult to put that to the back of your mind and allow yourself to be mesmerised by the overall perfection"

Tracks:

Quintett für Klarinette und Streichquartett h-moll op. 115
1: 1. Allegro
2: 2. Adagio
3: 3. Andantino
4: 4. Con moto

Quintett für Klavier und Streichquartett f-moll op. 34
5: 1. Allegro non troppo
6: 2. Andante, un poco adagio
7: 3. Scherzo: Allegro
8: 4. Finale: Poco sostenuto - Allegro non troppo

Personnel:

Jon Nakamatsu - piano
Jon Manasse - clarinet
Tokyo String Quartet