I have little to add with respect to the performances on this disc beyond the observations of Victor Carr Jr. in his review of the stereo edition. The Schubert transcription has taken on a life of its own in the concert hall, and rightly so, for the quartet’s dense textures and very symphonic conception translate well to the medium of string orchestra. Not so the Dvorák, whose greater transparency and numerous timbral effects (trills, pizzicato) when played by the larger ensemble lose the lightness and ear-catching color that makes the original so enchanting. Still, that will be a matter of personal taste, and regarding the sonics, the SACD’s additional depth and sense of space opens up the ensemble to a degree that may well make a significant difference to some listeners. Either way, it’s an awfully pleasant 70 minutes of music, however you fancy hearing it.
