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The Music Room => Great Recordings and Reviews => Topic started by: Brahmsian on February 14, 2023, 07:20:41 AM

Title: Schubert's Octet D803
Post by: Brahmsian on February 14, 2023, 07:20:41 AM
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODA0ODEzNC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2MjYxODE1MTN9)

Edding Quartet/Northerlight - Phi label

I've sampled several recordings, and this one really speaks to me.  Lovely brisk performance. 57:35

Other really fine performances I sampled:

Isabelle Faust and others on Harmonia Mundi label - 60:55
Anima Eterna on Alpha label - 57:24
Mixed musicians on Alpha label (Desmons, Guerrier, Hardy, etc.) 58:04
Title: Re: Schubert's Octet D803
Post by: Brian on February 14, 2023, 07:29:42 AM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on February 14, 2023, 07:20:41 AMMixed musicians on Alpha label (Desmons, Guerrier, Hardy, etc.) 58:04
Is this the one paired with a piece by Raphael Merlin?

I've enjoyed basically every recording of the Octet I've heard, but don't know the work super well, and also it seems so genial and wonderful that I don't know if bad recordings are possible. Maybe they are  ;D

In terms of judging on sound clips, I always check the beginning of the scherzo (third movement), to see if there is lively rhythmic energy and a nice balance among the woodwind players.
Title: Re: Schubert's Octet D803
Post by: Brahmsian on February 14, 2023, 07:33:13 AM
Quote from: Brian on February 14, 2023, 07:29:42 AMIs this the one paired with a piece by Raphael Merlin?

I've enjoyed basically every recording of the Octet I've heard, but don't know the work super well, and also it seems so genial and wonderful that I don't know if bad recordings are possible. Maybe they are  ;D

In terms of judging on sound clips, I always check the beginning of the scherzo (third movement), to see if there is lively rhythmic energy and a nice balance among the woodwind players.

Yes, it includes the Merlin piece. I was very close to choosing that one! 😁

All those I sampled were very lovely and are all on the lively side, to be sure!
Title: Re: Schubert's Octet D803
Post by: Florestan on February 14, 2023, 10:25:41 AM
The Octet is amongst my favorite pieces of chamber music by Schubert, alongside the Arpeggione Sonata, the Trout Quintet, the Rosamunde String Quartet and the Violin Sonata D 574.

Quote from: Brian on February 14, 2023, 07:29:42 AM've enjoyed basically every recording of the Octet I've heard,

+ 1 hands down.

Quoteit seems so genial and wonderful that I don't know if bad recordings are possible. Maybe they are  ;D

If there are, I've never listened to one.

Two of my (many) favorites are:

(https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/83/29/0825646342983_600.jpg)(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/410jwcsB6XL._AC_.jpg)
Title: Re: Schubert's Octet D803
Post by: DavidW on February 14, 2023, 11:10:15 AM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on February 14, 2023, 07:20:41 AM(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODA0ODEzNC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2MjYxODE1MTN9)

Edding Quartet/Northerlight - Phi label


I clicked on the link ready to recommend this as my favorite recording... to find it done on the first post! :)
Title: Re: Schubert's Octet D803
Post by: Brahmsian on February 14, 2023, 11:18:46 AM
Quote from: DavidW on February 14, 2023, 11:10:15 AMI clicked on the link ready to recommend this as my favorite recording... to find it done on the first post! :)

Yes David. I had shivers listening to the samples at Presto Music.

*clicked add to cart*
Title: Re: Schubert's Octet D803
Post by: Holden on February 14, 2023, 10:27:47 PM
A piece I've never heard yet I love so much of Schubert's chamber music. The Edding/Northernlight is playing now.
Title: Re: Schubert's Octet D803
Post by: Brahmsian on February 15, 2023, 02:56:26 AM
Quote from: Holden on February 14, 2023, 10:27:47 PMA piece I've never heard yet I love so much of Schubert's chamber music. The Edding/Northernlight is playing now.

It's a piece that has grown on me over the years and has become a top five favourite of mine by Schubert.

It's a long piece and I feel a great performance needs to have a good lively pace, otherwise it can become a bit of a hot toddy before bed time.
Title: Re: Schubert's Octet D803
Post by: Jo498 on February 15, 2023, 04:07:31 AM
It's probably the best piece of its kind (larger mixed string/wind ensemble) in the literature and I like it but I still find it a bit lengthy. It's a feature and hard to avoid with two slowish movement and the overall large scale. I have not heard any of these recent ones mentioned so far. My favorite used to be Archibudelli/Mozzafiato on Sony Vivarte as I find that the old woodwinds bring a special coloring to the piece.