Search - Franz [Vienna] Schubert, Mullova Ensemble :: Schubert: Octet

Mullova and company make a joyful noise

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 01/01/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Viktoria Mullova is one of a number of internationally acclaimed musicians who have made the move from major label to independent (in this case, from Philips to artist-run Onyx). By no means does this signify a falling off in quality, as this superb Schubert Octet shows. Mullova's group bypasses the gemutlich, easy-going style of, say, the Vienna Octet on Decca, whose classic 1958 recording feels a bit too sleepy today. This is intensely felt Schubert, which the Gramophone described as "a spacious performance, enthralling and poetic."



I'm particularyl impressed by the ensemble sound here: we are hearing closely meshed equals, and neither Mullova nor the clarinetist try to dominate (as opposed to readings led by Gidon Kremer and Michael collins, good as both are). The sonics are quite up to date, capturing each intrument's timbre faithfully. In the end, however, it's the joyous tone of this performance that makes it stand out. I'd recommend it as one of the best modern recordings, well worth seeking out."