Pinchas Zukerman, Elise Båtnes - Violins Stephan Blaumer - Viola Oren Shevlin, Johannes Wohlmacher - ´Cellos Concert from 24th of March 2006, Cologne Philharmonie
As each year passes in my life, I am increasingly convinced that Schubert's C Major Quintet is his finest composition. It's the benchmark. Each piece of his I compare to the quintet. And each piece comes up wanting. There's something oddly modern about it. And yet.. it has a timeless quality. I just can't put my finger on it. It transcends centuries. And I have to say...this is a pretty great performance of it. I'm not a huge fan of Zukerman, because of his unnaturally large sense of self. But he manages to transcend himself in this instance and contribute something vaguely cosmic. How cool is that!?
As a "metal head," I couldn't agree with you more. there is just something about this piece of music that has the power to transcend more than just time. Boundaries even. I first heard this when i was in High school, 20 some years ago. I listen to Metallica and Death and bands of that nature, but this has always been a staple in my musical library. I wouldn't say that I listen to much "Classical" music but there is just something about this piece that speaks volumes, tells a story I can almost see play out when I close my eyes. it is truely magical. There aren't many pieces of music that have that effect. Something about your comment compelled me to respond, and even if we have different tastes in music, (assuming) its nice to know that there are things out there in this world that have a positive effect of people from regardless of backgrounds, musical tastes, cultures, and beliefs. It makes me wish more people could see that there are things that can bring us together. despite how minuscule they may be. I wonder if he knew that this piece would have that kind of impact on people.... even today. So to you Sir, I say, "How cool is that?" In my opinion.... EXTREMELY COOL!
A wonderful vibrancy, not to mention as much harmony between players as within the composition: how is it that these small ensembles draw out such exquisite richness and zest of sound from these scores. The answer perhaps is this: here the great composers go to town, liberated, all constraints cast off. Here, as so often acknowledged, the very greatest of music is founded.
