Schubert, F.: Piano Quintet in A major, D667 'The Trout' (Die Forelle) Martin Helmchen

• Piano Quintet in A major, Op. 114, D. 667, 'Die Forelle' The Trout
• 1 I. Allegro vivace 13:21
• 2 II. Andante 06:51
• 3 III. Scherzo 04:07
• 4 IV. Tema con variazioni 07:28
• 5 V. Allegro giusto 06:30
• Introduction and Variations on Trockne Blumen from Die schone Mullerin, Op. 160, D. 802
• 6 Introduction: Andante 02:50
• 7 Theme: Andantino 02:05
• 8 Variation 1 01:52
• 9 Variation 2 01:41
• 10 Variation 3 02:04
• 11 Variation 4 01:46
• 12 Variation 5 02:15
• 13 Variation 6 02:43
• 14 Variation 7: Allegro 03:12
• Piano Trio in E flat major, Op. 148, D. 897, Notturno
• 15 Piano Trio in E flat major, Op. 148, D. 897, 'Notturno' 09:45
• Total Runtime 01:08:30

Info for Schubert, F.: Piano Quintet in A major, D667 'The Trout' (Die Forelle)

Yes, it sounds crazy to make yet another recording of Schubert's Trout Quintet a 'reference recording', particularly given the number of really good ones already in circulation. Never mind. There is no finer performance available, and certainly none better recorded: gorgeous, perfectly natural sound. So what makes this performance so special? First, and speaking generally, this has got to be one of the most shapely, elegant, and effortlessly flowing versions ever committed to disc. Every phrase breathes, but in such a way that the character of the line always supports what the music seems to want to do. The 'interpretation' simply dissolves into the pure experience of Schubert.

Getting down to specifics, listen to the marvelously conversational exchanges between violinist Christian Tetzlaff and pianist Martin Helmchen in the opening movement, and the amazingly perfect intonation of all of the string players. Then there's the perfect balance of Alois Posch's double bass, and the wonderful, dreamy quality of the initial presentation of the 'Trout' theme in the fourth movement. The players' wide dynamic range lets them wring every drop of energy from the finale without ever forcing the tone, and it's impossible to overpraise Helmchen's sensitivity in both his solo and accompanying roles.

The couplings prove equally inspired, offering the sort of variety that makes this disc ideal for continuous listening. Usually we encounter the 'Trockne Blumen' Variations on flute discs, where they either obliterate the inferior junk that accompanies them, or make you want to scream from the aural fatigue of hearing so much other flute music (let's face it: a little goes a long way). Here they make a refreshing contrast, with Aldo Baerten's soft-toned wooden flute marrying beautifully to Helmchen's elegant keyboard artistry. Yes, Baerten breathes a bit heavily from time to time, but it's not really bothersome. With the lovely Notturno an apt and mellow encore, this is surely one of the great Schubert chamber music recordings. You'll love it. (David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com)

“This is a marvellous album, one of the most enjoyable I have heard in a long time. It is distinguished by superb sound, too. There is a great line-up of soloists who seem to have clicked miraculously, with the result that they deliver a more completely satisfactory account of the Trout Quintet than any I have ever heard before. Martin Helmchen is as gifted a new pianist as I expect to here for years, and Christian Tetzlaff is here at his best.” (BBC Music Magazine)

Martin Helmchen, Piano
Christian Tetzlaff, Violin (Tracks 1-5,9)
Antoine Tamestit, Viola (Tracks 1-5)
Marie-Elisabeth Hecker, Cello (Tracks 1-5,9)
Alois Posch, Double Bass (Tracks 1-5)
Aldo Baerten, Flute (Tracks 6-8)

Award: BBC Music Magazine Awards 2010, Chamber Finalist

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