Composer: Franz Schubert
Works: Piano Trio No. 1 in B-flat Major, D.898, Quintet for piano and strings in A Major, “Trout”, D.667, Fantaisie for violin and piano in C Major, D.934, Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat Major, D.929, Violin Sonata “Grand Duo” in A Major, D.574, Quintet for 2 violins, viola and 2 cellos in C Major, D.956, Sonatina No. 3 in G Minor, D.408, Sonatina No. 1 in D Major, D.384, Octet in F Major, D.803
Performers: Alfred Cortot (piano), Jacques Thibaud (violin), Pablo Casals (cello), Artur Schnabel (piano), Alphonse Onnou (violin), Germain Prevost (viola), Robert Maas (cello), Claude Hobday (bass), Adolf Busch (violin), Rudolf Serkin (piano), Hermann Busch (cello), Fritz Kreisler (violin), Serge Rachmaninoff (piano), Léner Quartet, and various artists
Recording: Kingsway Hall, London (1926), Abbey Road Studios, London (1935), Small Queen’s Hall, London (1931), Studio Pelouze, Paris (1944)
Label: Andante
Franz Schubert’s chamber music occupies a treasured space in the classical canon, embodying the transition from classical clarity to romantic expressiveness. His works, characterized by lyrical melodies and intricate textures, invite performers to explore both individual expression and cohesive ensemble playing. The Andante collection presents an extensive survey of Schubert’s chamber repertoire through recordings from the 1920s and 30s, featuring some of the most distinguished musicians of the era. This four-disc anthology, while lacking his famous string quartets, showcases eight complete chamber works that include five recognized masterpieces, offering a rich tapestry of musical exploration.
The performances within this collection are nothing short of revelatory. The opening work, the Piano Trio No. 1 in B-flat Major, D.898, is performed by the legendary trio of Cortot, Thibaud, and Casals, whose collaboration is a hallmark of recorded chamber music. The interpretative choices made here reflect a profound understanding of Schubert’s lyrical style; the slow movement, in particular, is rendered with a blend of warmth and restraint, allowing the music’s inherent drama to unfold organically. The balance of the ensemble is striking, with each player’s individuality enhanced, yet seamlessly integrated into the overall fabric of the performance. Such unity is a testament to their long-standing collaboration and shared musical language.
Another highlight is the “Trout” Quintet, where Schnabel’s piano leads the ensemble with both vigor and delicacy. The negotiation of dynamics, particularly in the variations of the fourth movement, showcases the performers’ ability to navigate Schubert’s contrasting moods—playful and introspective. The Pro Arte Quartet’s string players contribute a full-bodied richness, particularly in the lush harmonies that define Schubert’s style. This recording serves as a benchmark, juxtaposed with more recent interpretations that may lack the spontaneity and immediacy found here.
The sound quality of these archival recordings presents a unique challenge for modern remastering. Andante’s engineering strikes a commendable balance, preserving the vitality of the performances while managing surface noise that inevitably accompanies recordings from this era. The remastering allows for a remarkable intimacy, drawing the listener into the music-making process itself. The occasional surface noise does not overshadow the emotional clarity conveyed by the performers and, in fact, adds to the historical authenticity of the listening experience.
Among the lesser-known works included is the Fantaisie for violin and piano, D.934, where Adolf Busch’s approach is marked by a breathtaking simplicity that unfolds with elegance. His partnership with Serkin is noteworthy; they achieve a synergy that enhances the lyrical beauty of the piece. Busch’s restrained phrasing contrasts with the more flamboyant interpretations typical of the time, offering a fresh perspective that emphasizes Schubert’s melodic intent over virtuosic display.
Fritz Kreisler’s collaboration with Rachmaninoff on the “Grand Duo” Violin Sonata provides an intriguing juxtaposition. While this work may not attain the stature of Schubert’s masterpieces, the performance is characterized by Kreisler’s signature vibrato and emotive sliding, which imbue the piece with a salon-like sentimentality. Rachmaninoff’s accompaniment is skillfully supportive, yet there is a palpable tension in their contrasting styles that could lead one to ponder the work’s place in the broader Schubertian context.
The presentation of the discs is aesthetically pleasing, though the booklet’s structure leaves something to be desired. With its multilingual content and lack of a straightforward track list, navigating the accompanying material can be cumbersome. However, the quality of the performances and the integrity of the remastering more than compensate for these logistical shortcomings.
This comprehensive anthology of Schubert’s chamber music is a significant addition to the recorded legacy, capturing not just the notes but the spirit of collaboration that characterized these iconic performances. The artistry of the chosen musicians, coupled with Andante’s commitment to preserving historical recordings, ensures that this set remains a vital resource for both scholars and enthusiasts alike. As a document of musical history, it invites listeners to experience the intimate interplay of emotion, technique, and musicality that defines Schubert’s timeless contributions to chamber music.
