Schoenberg - Septet (Suite), Op.29; Quintet for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn and Bassoon, Op.26

Arnold SCHOENBERG (1974-1951)

Septet (Suite) in E flat major, Op. 29

Quintet for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn and Bassoon, Op. 26*

London Sinfonietta

David Atherton

Recorded: 1973-12-19

Recorded: 1973-11*

Recording Venue: All Saints' Church, Petersham, Surrey

The London Sinfonietta under the direction of Atherton does it again. This recording of Schoenberg's Wind Quintet is breathtaking! Actually, so is the Suite. One of my longtime favourites.

The wind quintet op. 26 is performed with slightly slow tempos, although Schoenberg wrote "Schwungvoll". Atherton obviously has some reason with the relaxed proceedings, I feel that this version of op. 26 goes deeper and at the same time feels warmer, sunnier, than some other performances I have heard. After the thrills of op. 29, it is nice to sit down and be immersed in this.

If you like to experience Schoenberg's youthly fresh exploring of the dodecaphonic method of composing - he was around 50 years by the time of composing these two gems! - this CD will not disappoint you. Just like fresh leaves of May!

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