Review by Robin Van Auken

The album Schubert The Late String Quartets String Quintet by Emerson String Quartet and Mstislav Rostropovich is an outstanding collection of Schubert's late string quartets. The performances are executed with great precision, passion, and depth, revealing the full range of emotion and complexity in Schubert's compositions.

The Emerson String Quartet, renowned for their mastery of chamber music, bring their signature sound and style to these works, delivering an interpretation that is both faithful to the score and deeply personal. Their playing is characterized by a rich, warm tone, impeccable intonation, and a seamless blend of individual voices into a cohesive whole.

Mstislav Rostropovich, one of the greatest cellists of the 20th century, joins the quartet in the String Quintet, adding his own unique voice to the ensemble. His playing is marked by a deep, sonorous tone, expressive phrasing, and a remarkable sensitivity to the music's emotional content.

The album features Schubert's final three string quartets, as well as the String Quintet in C Major, one of his most beloved works. The quartets are characterized by their expansive, introspective nature, with long, flowing melodies and complex harmonies that explore the depths of human emotion. The quintet, meanwhile, is a tour de force of chamber music, featuring a rich, layered texture and virtuosic solos for each instrument.

Summary by Robin Van Auken

Schubert The Late String Quartets String Quintet by Emerson String Quartet and Mstislav Rostropovich is a must-have for any lover of classical music. The performances are of the highest caliber, and the music itself is some of the most profound and moving ever composed. Highly recommended.