Editorial Reviews

This disc of Brahms' String Quartet in C minor and Piano Quintet in F minor played by Quatuor Ebčne is proof that great performances of the composer's chamber music are as likely to come out of France as out of Germany. It's not that the French group sounds anything like a German group; their ensemble is as tight but more flexible, their tone is as rich but more pungent, and their tempos are as cogent but more flexible, both individually and as an ensemble. The French ensemble is nevertheless as deep under the skin of the music as any German group, driving the Quartet's dramatic outer movements while probing its pensive central movements, but with the fresh perspective of a group from across the Rhine. Joined by pianist Akiko Yamamoto in a ferociously passionate account of the Piano Quintet, this disc will be mandatory listening for anyone who likes Brahms' chamber music, particularly for anyone who thinks the composer's music ought only to be played by Germans. Virgin's digital sound is rich and ripe, but wonderfully detailed and present. James Leonard, All Music Guide

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