- Audio CD (1 July 2002)
- SPARS Code: DDD
- Number of Discs: 1
- Label: EMI Classics
- ASIN: B000069CU5
- Other Editions: MP3 Download
- Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 97,499 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I thoroughly enjoyed this CD, particularly for the Tchaikovsky. It's one of those really lovable works which, however, goes on a bit - Tchaikovsky in prolix vein, but with lyrical beauty, drive and energy. It needs to be played with commitment, and that's exactly what happens here. Listen to the grinding, inexorable pulse in the agitated sections of the third movement, and the power in the lower instruments, or the full-throated cantabile in the second movement, or indeed any one of many other moments. A performance like this live would have me out of my seat. The Dvorak, in a gentler, quieter way, is just as idiomatic and just as effective. The CD is distinguished by the presence of Sarah Chang. This is not the only CD of chamber music she has made - it's nice to see charismatic soloists choosing to play as primus inter pares in works which are less glitzy but no less musically satisfying than the big concerti, just as Heifetz, David Oistrakh, Menuhin and other wonderful names from the past used to do. She plays with poise and assurance, quite beautifully. It's a fine CD and can be recommended heartily.
5 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
There is no doubt that these recordings attest to greatness with their beautiful balancing and clarity of the sextet voices. The performances are noteworthy for providing the listener with complete appreciation of the sonorities and inner voicings especially in the intricacies of the Tchaikovsky. The fluidity, clarity, and oneness of ensemble are all evident and to be fully praised because these challenges are inherently demanding when preparing chamber music.
It is interesting to listen to the juxtaposition of Sarah Chang, an American violinist from Dorothy Delay's prolific class, with the distinct sound of the Berlin Philharmonic players. The concept of sound is specific to each individual performer's unique training, background, environment, intellect, and ultimately persona (spirit and temperament). With that in mind it is very rewarding to listen to these performances where the soloistic, highly polished, poised, and clean performance trademarks of Chang are joined with the more natural, cerebral, mercurial, organic, and singing spontaneity of the Berlin players. Chang convinces the listener that she plays all the notes and exceptionally well in terms intonation, rhythm, articulations, and projection while the Berliners are joined in the nuances, tone color variations, flexibilities, and creation of sounds that result from natural, instinctive, and musical phrasing that is alive, rather than simply an effective following of the dynamic markings on the page.
The Dvorak is especially revealing in this pairing of musical approaches and mentalities which again, reveals an impressive unity and clarity in chamber playing. Yet, the Slavic spirit and character elements of spontaneity, joy, rashness, and a primitive fire, pageantry, and peasantry are nevertheless absent. EMI Classics continues to deliver with the splendid results of their balancing and recording engineers, and Sarah Chang and the ensemble members fully deliver with highly "professional" performances. However, the final product fails to tell a story or intrigue the listener's spirit. The impressive accomplishments of the string playing are what dominate in capturing the listener's attention. While this is sufficient in meeting the requirements for making a "blueprint" recording or studying the technique of string and chamber playing, it is perhaps unrewarding when wanting to be moved by the act of communcation through a true musical experience. The Florence should evoke a twinkle in one's eye or a perceptable wit or a sense of vulnerability which fail to find voice in this interesting, impressive, but noncommunicative recording.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
7 reviews
24 of 27 people found the following review helpful
A must have, beautiful performance; dont let bias interfere
21 Oct 2002
Format:Audio CD
I admit almost every person is biased in many ways. But bias can get in your way for enjoying truly great musical experiences. Thats this recording, a moving emotional performance by top-class artists. I mention bias because a fellow reviewer gave 2 out of 5 to this cd recording. (Another Dorothy Delay hater maybe?). Well the truth is this recording is ALL too great to let your prejudices interfere with the enjoyment of a truly beautiful musical experience. I am a musician, a violinist, and I have a mature ear. I know what I hear and this recording is NOT unmusical. Rather its a superb recording that must be recommended. About Sarah, this is one of the best recordings in which she participates. She really shimmers here as well as all the other great players. Whoever says Sarah Chang is unmusical or just a "technician" is truly biased; no matter your musical background (US, Europe, Russia) beautiful music is beautiful music. And I hear all the great soloists and have their recordings; Sarah is among the foremost violin soloists right now, a reality many dislike but true nonetheless. And her vibrato is beautiful, full of emotion. And it VARIES, especially in the latest recordings. I know what I am talking about since I have all her cds (and I AM a violinist). I hope you get this recording and enjoy it for many years to come. Too good to avoid it. Great sound quality and beautiful chamber music comradeship, as if they've been playing together for a long time. Unique musical experience: thanks to Sarah and all others players for this great music. I hope to live more to hear more music like this. (I also recommend Sarah's recording of the Goldmark violin concerto, and her Strauss violin Sonata).
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Entrancing
8 Mar 2005
Format:Audio CD
When I first listened to the Florence a couple of years ago, I noted its lyricism but quickly forgot it. A month or so ago, I put it back on the player, listening once through. A couple of days later, I was lazing around when the tune that had been running through my unconcious came to the fore.
I went back and played the Florence, this time listening intently. I discovered what a marvelous piece of music this is.
The playing is masterful. The recording captures the brilliance and virtuosity of Sarah Chang, juxtaposing her with the gorgeous and comfortable ensemble sound of the five members of the Berlin Philharmonic. Together, they bring a life to the music which has me completely captivated.
It has been years since a single recording has taken over my waking moments. The last I can remember is when I discovered Beethoven's seventh as a teenager. Or maybe it was Mahler's second around the same time. I can remember riding the bus to school playing the seventh through my head. I attended a downtown school in Detroit but lived at the edge of the city. On the best days, it was a 45 minute ride.
These days, I get to pop this CD into the player in my car. It makes it so much easier. I'm hoping another 20 or 30 playings and I'll be over my obsession. In the meantime, it's a marvelous way to get to work.
I went back and played the Florence, this time listening intently. I discovered what a marvelous piece of music this is.
The playing is masterful. The recording captures the brilliance and virtuosity of Sarah Chang, juxtaposing her with the gorgeous and comfortable ensemble sound of the five members of the Berlin Philharmonic. Together, they bring a life to the music which has me completely captivated.
It has been years since a single recording has taken over my waking moments. The last I can remember is when I discovered Beethoven's seventh as a teenager. Or maybe it was Mahler's second around the same time. I can remember riding the bus to school playing the seventh through my head. I attended a downtown school in Detroit but lived at the edge of the city. On the best days, it was a 45 minute ride.
These days, I get to pop this CD into the player in my car. It makes it so much easier. I'm hoping another 20 or 30 playings and I'll be over my obsession. In the meantime, it's a marvelous way to get to work.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Thoroughly Captivating!
18 May 2008
Format:Audio CD
My only previous experience with the string sextet form are hearing those of Brahms and they were certainly a delight. These are just as entertaining and satisfying with the Tchaikovsky perhaps being the more melodically captivating of the two works, but with the Dvorák every bit as substantive. I also suppose Chang is the "star" here, but this features some very fine ensemble playing including present and erstwhile members of the Berlin Philharmonic. Melodic, entrancing...beautiful!
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