Search - Franz [Vienna] Schubert, Frank Braley :: Schubert: Trout Quintet

This "Trout" is a treat, served whole with playing that combines rhythmic drive and melting beauty in well-balanced proportions. Renaud Capucon's tender, caressing violin in the first movement's development section is wonderful, and the first Andante has the same exemplary qualities. Add a playfully energetic Scherzo and a dynamic last movement, and serve with the Andante of the theme and variations based on Schubert's song, spice with great sound that for once lets you hear every note of the double-bass, and you have a dish fit for a king. In the famous fourth-movement variations, each of the players displays his tonal wares to fine effect and, in Braley's showy part, virtuosity. The final variation is taken at a relaxed jog, bathing the movement in sunshine. Schubert's meaty Variations on "Trockne Blumen," from his song cycle Die Schöne Mullerin was written for flute. Here it's performed in a violin version by Capucon with beauty, feeling, and virtuosity. The encore is the brief Litanie, a song transcription for violin, closing a memorable program. --Dan Davis