- Audio CD (Sep 26 2000)
- SPARS Code: DDD
- Number of Discs: 1
- Label: Hyperion UK
- ASIN: B00004WMWB
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
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Product Details |
Track Listings
| 1. Str Sxt No.1 in B flat, Op.18: Allegro Ma Non Troppo |
| 2. Str Sxt No.1 in B flat, Op.18: Andante, Ma Moderato |
| 3. Str Sxt No.1 in B flat, Op.18: Scherzo: Allegro Molto |
| 4. Str Sxt No.1 in B flat, Op.18: Rondo: Poco Allegretto E Grazioso |
| 5. Str Sxt No.2 in G, Op.36: Allegro Non Troppo |
| 6. Str Sxt No.2 in G, Op.36: Scherzo: Allegro Non Troppo |
| 7. Str Sxt No.2 in G, Op.36: Poco Adagio |
| 8. Str Sxt No.2 in G, Op.36: Poco Allegro |
Product Description
Amazon.ca
Sending his beloved Clara Schumann the first three movements of his first Sextet, Brahms instructed her to "burn this rubbish" rather than bother sending the manuscript back: a typical gesture from this most self-critical of composers. Yet this product of a mere 27-year-old is one of the most beautiful works ever written for this instrumental combination. Most romantic composers preferred the conventional quartet; Brahms, never one to follow fashion, saw the rich possibilities in the extra two instruments. The Raphael Ensemble's recordings, deservedly re-released in remastered form as part of Hyperion's 20th-anniversary celebrations, revel in those possibilities. The ensemble's playing speaks with ardent directness and a complete lack of affectation; the sound runs the gamut from lusciousness to ethereality--the intertwined melodies in the second Sextet's last two movements are like fine threads drawn through the air. The original reviews of these 12-year-old recordings were unqualified praise, although their trademark restraint sometimes cramps the music's passion and tempi are at times too measured. No matter: this record still offers 74 minutes of ravishing beauty. --Michael Church
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
By Jeffrey Lee
There are other very fine performances of Brahms' wonderful String Sextets, but none, I feel, as totally satisfying as these by the Raphael Ensemble. They combine a sense of rich, enveloping warmth with dynamic, detailed expression. There is nothing rushed or superficial here. The music often flows with a sense of ease and flexibility, all the while conveying some of the most poignant songfulness and beautifully shaded colors and tones. There also is playing of considerable nobility, which occasionally brings tears to my eyes. So good are these readings that bothering to single out more specific instances for praise becomes an unnecessary chore. If any of you anticipate going after this disc, I suggest you look for Hyperion's remastered version, which is packaged in a black bordered cover (see representation above), surrounding what was the same pastoral scene used on the original issue. This more recent, remastered copy provides a more centered, tonally balanced sound than the original pressing. Nonetheless, again, these are marvelously rewarding accounts. They epitomize Brahms at his best. I can't think or hear of any reason at all why they would disappoint. In fact, you might find them cathartic.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4.3 out of 5 stars
3 reviews
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superbly played Brahms
April 7 2004
By Jeffrey Lee
- Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase
There are other very fine performances of Brahms' wonderful String Sextets, but none, I feel, as totally satisfying as these by the Raphael Ensemble. They combine a sense of rich, enveloping warmth with dynamic, detailed expression. There is nothing rushed or superficial here. The music often flows with a sense of ease and flexibility, all the while conveying some of the most poignant songfulness and beautifully shaded colors and tones. There also is playing of considerable nobility, which occasionally brings tears to my eyes. This Hyperion special edition, remastered version (noted in the representation above) provides a more centered, tonally balanced sound than the original pressing. However, the original pressing, with the same pastoral scene on its front cover, is still very satisfying. You can easily locate it here on Amazon, and read what others have had to say about these performances. They seem to epitomize Brahms at his best.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful playing.
Dec 15 2012
By Carlos Quintero
- Published on Amazon.com
Perhaps this is one of the best issues by this marvelous ensemble. They play heavenly and
splendidly communicate a fresh, youthful, almost schubertian Brahms to our ears. I'm very
happy with this CD, the best alternative to get the two sextetts in one album. Essential Brahms.
splendidly communicate a fresh, youthful, almost schubertian Brahms to our ears. I'm very
happy with this CD, the best alternative to get the two sextetts in one album. Essential Brahms.
1 of 4 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
Brahms in light divertimento style
Oct 20 2005
By Santa Fe Listener
- Published on Amazon.com
The Raphael ensemble, much beloved in England and basically unknown in the U.S., takes a light, flowing approach to these two works. This is quite a departure in style, but if you want to hear the Brahms sextets as background music, the way one would listen to a Baroque-era divertimento, everything is played veyr pleasantly. But Brahms was an ambitious chamber music composer, and he put into these sextets much more than surface appeal. There's a lot to dig into and explore, and the emoitonal range is much greater than suggested here. I will stick with other readings over the years from the Casals Festival, the Alban Berg Quartet, and the excellent group on Sony led by Isaac Stern and Yo-Yo Ma.
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Go to Amazon.com to see all 3 reviews
4.3 out of 5 stars
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