Search - Gabriel Faure, Robert Schumann, Paganini Quartet :: Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 23

Fabulous Music Making from a Legendary Musician

mark alexander | San Antonio | 07/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The first issue of these chamber music recordings on CD is a major event for any classical music lover. The Faure Quartet is performed with vigor and drive and the Schumann Quintet sparkles with life and energy. The Paganini Quartet is marvelous and Artur Rubinstein's pianism is unequalled. His powerful chordal techinque in the first movement of the Faure is wonderfully contrasted with the ethereal lightness of the second movement. This album is a must for any lover of chamber music and the playing of Artur Rubinstien."

Beautiful performances, well re-mastered for very good sound

G. Engler | The Frigid Northeast | 06/29/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is clearly a niche disc that will not necessarily be on the "must have" list along with Rubinstein's Brahms and Chopin. Nonetheless, for those who profess to be fans of the pianist, or simply collectors, this is a fabulous disc.



The Faure is beautifully played. While there a minor moments where the Paganini Quartet slip in ensemble, the overall performance is gorgeous. he Adagio literally brought a tear to my eye. In the Schumann, the cellist - Adolphe Frezin - sounds pretty sharp in the moda d'una marchea at 5:41 through 5:51. I admit that I usually cringe when I hear it.



The better known Schumann Piano Quintet is also beautifully played. In both performances, Rubinstein is in competition with his later self: with the Guanari Quartet in both the Faure Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 74 as well as the Schumann Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 66 . This latter performances are beautiful and have better (stereo) recording. Like Rubinstein's traversals of Chopin, the later recordings are stately, while this - the earlier 1949 recording - is more spontaneous and vibrant. Truthfully, I wouldn't want to be without any of them.



Again - for those who are hesitating due to the early recording date - I urge you to go ahead adn take the plunge. The recording is quite good for its vintage - full bodied, and well balanced, without the severe compression one would expect from the use of Cello technology.



Highest recommendation!



By the way - don't be put off by the recording date. The remastered monophonic sound is beautiful and full."