Although the sticker on this SACD says “hybrid multichannel”, this is in fact a stereo recording in either normal or SACD format, as per yet another logo on the back of the tray card, which says “Bi-channel”. It would be really nice if the labels issuing SACDs would make some effort to get their acts together with respect to clear and proper labeling; the proliferation of different “sub-formats” can only confuse the public and further harm the new medium’s chances of finding general acceptance. Happily, regardless of format, the sound of this recording is excellent, so you can’t lose no matter how you listen–but do pay attention so you are sure as to what you are actually buying.
This is an excellent recording of Schubert’s glorious Quintet, and only a couple of quibbles mar the generally fine musicianship on offer. Technically, the playing is gorgeous: the two cellos sing out the first movement’s second subject with perfectly matched tone and expression. The players really dig into the scherzo (and I like the drama they create by making a slight pause before taking the second-half repeat). However, in the slow movement the accompanying sustained strings sound just a touch too forward in relation to the cello’s pizzicatos, and there’s an edgy quality to the opening that tends to undermine the dramatic surprise of later developments. A touch of over-emphasis in the finale’s rhythmic first subject also might raise and eyebrow or two, but the conviction and drive of the interpretation ultimately win the day. In any event, these are small points only worth raising in light of such illustrious competition in this particular work.
I have no reservations whatsoever regarding the performance of the D major Quartet D. 94. The Prazák Quartet simply plays each movement beautifully, not worrying about the fact that the two large opening movements badly overbalance the tiny minuet and finale. That’s Schubert’s problem, after all, and the music has such charm that it’s impossible to deny it its refusal to indulge in the mature Schubert’s “heavenly lengths”. In all, this is a lovely disc, one that even if not perfect in the Quintet certainly sustains this ensemble’s reputation as one of the great chamber groups recording today.
