Franz Schubert: String Quartets Nos.9-10 & 12-15, Trout Quintet, String Quintet

The Alban Berg Quartett approach Schubert with classical discipline while vividly conveying the mysterious fervent power that is so instantaneously unique in the composer’s works. They capture the quintessentially Viennese spirit of Schubert, as ABQ’s members were all nurtured in the city’s musical tradition. While relishing the scope of Schubert’s often daring musical designs, they bring an intimate understanding of the composer’s mercurial shifts of emotion.

“The Quartet’s playing is breathtaking in terms of tonal blend, ensemble and intonation.” Gramophone about “Death and the Maiden” and “Rosamunde” │ “Few groups have the Berg’s grasp of the intimate link between innocence and terror in Schubert’s late works. Over and over in these masterly performances, nostalgic beauty leads to anguish and back again — ideally paced and executed.” The New York Times about the String Quintet