The Raphael Ensemble - Brahms: String Quintets (2010)

Of all of Brahms' numerous chamber works, the two string quintets, Opp. 88 and 111, are among the least frequently performed and recorded. Few of Brahms' contemporaries were writing much in the way of chamber music to begin with, and even fewer were exploring genres like the string quintets and sextets. The two quintets follow the example of Mozart by including two violas rather than Schubert's preference for two cellos. This gives the quintets a much brighter, treble-dominated sound than much of his other chamber music, and poses a special challenge for the cello -- who opens the G major quintet -- to be heard and provide enough bass support. This Helios album features the Raphael Ensemble in a 1995 performance of the two quintets. Not only does the Raphael Ensemble do an admirable job of maintaining a desirable balance between its members, but they also overcome the frequently heard difficulty in playing the quintets in tune. Throughout the album, tempos are driven; even the Grave of the F major quintet maintains appropriate forward momentum without getting bogged down. Forte sections can sometimes get a bit chaotic, but for the most part every voice in the texture can be heard clearly and without obstruction. Helios' sound is clear, but not overly bright.