Search - Richard [1] Strauss, Anton Bruckner, Raphael Ensemble :: Bruckner: String Quintet; Intermezzo; Strauss: Prelude to Capriccio

Sensuous musicality

06/11/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Strauss sextet from "Capriccio" is a rare example of sensuous intimacy by a composer better known for his larger scale works. The Raphael Ensemble are entirely at home with this beautifully and sensitively spun narrative and the sound is delicious throughout. The Bruckner Quintet is an even rarer example of chamber music writing from this composer and has a style which is unusual and eccentric, but totally captivating. The slow movement in particular is astonishingly beautiful in this performance and features themes so arresting and touching that they are equal to any produced by better known exponents of the genre.This recording by The Raphael Ensemble does full justice to both works and is an essential item for the serious listener."

Good old Bruckner on a smaller scale

Jeffrey Lee | Asheville area, NC USA | 08/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This lovely piece by Bruckner contains many of the very same features one typically finds in his symphonies, so that what one hears in this chamber context sounds rather familiar. But in addition, I sense a more endearing quality, a more innocent simplicity, which I find quite charming and which is reflected especially in the scherzo. This is followed by a wonderfully tender fourteen minute long adagio, which the Raphael Ensemble plays with considerable sympathetic expressiveness. In doing so it also projects a genuine spiritual quality. Again, as I have stated before about this group, it possesses a marvelous ability to stay in the most intimate touch with the music it brings to life. The close of this adagio is very moving. At the start of the final movement a winsome presence re-asserts itself, but soon one begins to hear the kind of gradual buildup to the end that is so typical of the symphonies. And, yes, the expected grand conclusion is there too, but of course within the context of a much smaller framework. So there you have it ! More Bruckner to love aside from his symphonies. And, in a highly commendable, most satisfying presentation.



Bruckner's brief ( just under 4 minutes ) Intermezzo in D minor also included here is a pleasant, warm sounding piece that is given the same caring treatment as the quintet.



The Capriccio-Prelude by Richard Strauss is somewhat reminiscent of his Domestic Symphony. It has a bit of what one would call in German an anheimeind (homey) quality. It is an amiable piece, also very musically played. However, I am more compellingly drawn to the works by Bruckner, which surely contain some sublime moments. And so do the performances of the the Raphael Ensemble."

Best christmas Present

Student | UK | 12/24/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I loved this cd! Its one of those ones that can make you re-evaluate your opinion of a composer. Especially Strauss, The Quintet convey imense energy and make a beautifully pure sound. The content also seems well balanced."