Gorgeous Colours Schubert from the Tokyo Quartet - heard by HOWARD SMITH '... a great deal in their favour ...'

Schubert's string quintet D 956 is unparalleled in its fundamental poignancy, abiding serenity and elemental drama. Such are its interpretative demands that you and I are more than justified in expecting any worthy repeatable performance to attain the highest musical and recording standards.

Though subjective expectations differ widely there is a discernible consensus about older recorded performances and a scattering of opinion over the growing catalogue of CDs allotted to this vital Schubert work.

Looking backwards we can count ourselves fortunate in having access to unparalled mid-twentieth-century recordings; none is imbued with greater affection than that from the Prades Festival (1952/53) with Isaac Stern, violin, Pablo Casals, cello, Milton Katims, viola, Alexander Schneider, violin and Paul Tortelier, cello -- plus the Prades Festival Orchestra in Symphony No 5 in B flat major, D 485 -- Casals conducting (Sony Casals Edition 58992, ADD)...

FRANZ SCHUBERT

HARMONIA MUNDI

CHAMBER MUSIC