“I always find it extraordinary that a small group can produce such a huge sound, full of raw power and magnificent enormity… A notable example of this is in Op. 34, where, aided by Giltburg's lavishly sonorous contribution, they provide a sumptuous conclusion to the first movement that conjures the resonance of a much larger ensemble. Another constant thread running through all their recordings is the range and variety of timbres that they deliver, and the ease with which they switch between them… with these splendid accounts of both quintets they have most certainly not disappointed.”
Presto Music, May 2022
“…the sound of pianist Boris Giltburg reunited with the Pavel Haas Quartet, still a potent partnership… Giltburg brings the weight and sonorous tone that the piano part needs, but he stays fully integrated with the opulent sound of this quartet. Always part of the team. The richness, the flexibility of phrasing and the sheer dynamic range of the ensemble is impressive, and they are joined by viola player Pavel Nikl for Brahms’ G major string quintet… Outstanding Brahms chamber music, then.”
BBC Radio 3 Record Review, May 2022
“On this new account, however, Giltburg’s Fazioli instrument achieves a subtle blend with the strings, so that there’s a markedly less concertante, more collegial feel than on many rival accounts… After this marvellously invigorating yet well-balanced account of the Piano Quintet, the G major String Quintet opens with a Mendelssohnian joyfulness, with exuberant violin and viola tremolos over an energetically leaping cello theme… The elation of the final two pages is palpable, bringing to a thrilling close one of the most uplifting and outstanding Brahms chamber discs of recent years, and just as urgently recommended!”
Europadisc, May 2022
“Over 20 years of performing, the Haas Quartet have lost none of their east European spunk and folksy edge, qualities just as valuable when playing Brahms. Fiery passions and the crispest of rhythms mark outer movements, while slow movements bask in heartfelt nostalgia. Either way, everybody wins.”
The Times, May 2022
Johannes Brahms
Piano Quintet F minor Op. 34
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1. | Allegro non troppo | 15:35 | |
2. | Andante, un poco adagio | 08:32 | |
3. | Scherzo. Allegro - Trio | 07:14 | |
4. | Finale. Poco sestenuto - Allegro non troppo | 10:31 | |
Johannes Brahms
String Quintet No. 2 G major Op. 111
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5. | Allegro non troppo, ma con brio | 13:14 | |
6. | Adagio | 06:09 | |
7. | Un poco allegretto | 05:29 | |
8. | Vivace ma non troppo presto | 04:57 |