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The
Strad Magazine, London Masters
of the Sublime Brahms: Piano Quintet in F minor, Op. 34 Lev
Natochenny (piano) With a catalogue that is not exactly short of Brahms Piano Quintets, is there really a need for another one? The answer in this case is very much in the affirmative. Rarely can the work's youthful exuberance have been so perfectly captured in a performance that comes right from the heart of these excellent musicians. The Penderecki Quartet was formed in 1981, and though they have toured extensively throughout Europe and North America, this appears to be their recording debut in this country. In all respects they are ideal for this quintet, their big and bold tone bringing a weight and passion to the dramatic moments, while the jagged Scherzo is full of excitement. They make a great deal of dynamic markings, quiet passages being very pianissimo, and at times you may feel the tone becomes a little rough in their effort to build fortissimo passages - the leader digging in at the heel of the bow in the Scherzo. Unanimity between quartet and pianist is not beyond reproach, but one should not harp on such matters when the reading has the adrenalin pumping through the body from the opening bar. Lev Natovhenny makes a fine partner, balancing himself expertly with the strings, assertive at the appropriate moments and caressingly beautiful in the quiet melodic passages. |
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