Search - Antonin Dvorak, Raphael Ensemble :: Dvorák: String Quintet, Op. 97; String Sextet, Op. 48

Wonderfully lyrical and moving.

Jeffrey Lee | Asheville area, NC USA | 12/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For a non-Czech group, the style of play exhibited here by the Raphael Ensemble is about as idiomatically Bohemian as one could wish for. It is sensitive, energetic and never less than consistently musical. The earlier String Sextet clearly has the stamp of Dvorak's emerging characteristic individuality. Especially in the last movement, there is more than a hint of the spirit of the opus 46 Slavonic Dances. The final passages are rendered with a familiar exhilarating flavor. Also noteworthy is the assertive and noble quality the Raphael brings to the second movement elegie... The more mature opus 97 String Quintet is one of those supremely tuneful inventions brought forth by the composer as part of his experience in visiting America. It brims with nostalgia, and this feeling is conveyed by the Raphael with warmth and sensitivity. But they add to the mix a sense of rhapsodic abandon. How gloriously songful is the violin in the second movement ! And it is followed by the most deliciously playful dance-like rhythms of strings playing in unison. In the third movement, the group displays most touchingly the composer's longing for his native Bohemia. What shines forth is some of the most absolutely gorgeous and affecting combinations of string sounds you will ever hear. The final movement, full of mirth and exuberance, is presented also in marvelous fashion. As usual, Hyperion's sound is very fine. Without doubt, another first class disc from this outstanding group."

A Magical Recording

M. C. Passarella | Lawrenceville, GA | 05/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's amazing to me that I've never put in a good word for this CD because it has always been one of my favorite, and maybe even my all-time favorite, chamber music recordings. The reasons are three. First, there's the inclusion of two ripely romantic works for strings by Dvorak. The Op. 97 Quintet is one of the finest products of Dvorak's years in America, a work of smiling good humor, great lyricism, and energy as well, thanks to the influence of Native American music on the piece. The Sextet is a work of Schubertian charm and eloquence. It fairly bursts with memorable melodies and incorporates the wonderful Czech musical forms--the dumka and furiant--that Dvorak celebrated throughout his career.



Second, there is the Raphael Ensemble, which turns in performances that are for me the apogee of chamber music playing. Many chamber groups seem to get one thing right, either the lyricism or the dynamism of a composition. Here, the surpassing beauty of Dvorak's Larghetto (Op. 97) and Allegro moderato (Op. 48) is conveyed every bit as effectively as the fire of the Furiant (Op. 48) and vitality of the Allegro vivo (Op. 97). In fact, while I'd concede that other performances of the great Op. 97 may have their points, for me, the Raphael Ensemble's will always be the benchmark.



Third, the recording, made by the should-be-legendary Tony Faulkner, is one of the finest I've ever heard. The timbre of the instruments is so true, the acoustic so congenial, that if you have a fine playback system, you really will think you're listening to a string ensemble playing in a fairly lively hall. Just close your eyes and let the magic happen."

Beautifully done

P. Willson | United States | 10/29/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had been accustomed to another recording of these pieces (Malacek) and hearing the Raphael Ensemble recording was like hearing entirely new compositions, the caliber of performance and recording is so much superior. What a lovely and remarkable CD! One hearing spoiled me for life.



...Having now listened for several weeks, I can say this is one of the most beautiful recordings I have ever heard."