MusicWeb International names our Brahms String Quintets & Sextets a “Recording of the Month” to kick off November!
“The Alexander String Quartet has a special affinity for Brahms. Their expansive, romantic sonority is tailor-made for the composer: on this two-disc set the ensemble can sound like a whole string orchestra. … Listening to the ASQ and their friends play Brahms is like riding in a luxury car with an expert chauffeur.… The string quintets, for example, with Toby Appel adding his viola, have hardly ever sounded better. These pieces are orchestral in scope, but playful in content. … They always muster the necessary energy and verve. But they seem completely in tune with the Old Man Brahms, his attitude, and the mix of sumptuousness and deep reflection his music demands. This just confirms the greatness of the “ASQ and Friends” Brahms records we have reviewed previously, with the piano and clarinet quintets. … Given the superb recorded sound, which actually contributes to the sheer pleasure of the music-making, and the very thorough accompanying booklet, I have to give this the highest possible praise. This set will give you hours of delight.” —Brian Reinhart, MusicWeb International
Read the full review on MusicWeb International!