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If you thought Schubert’s chamber music sounds a bit old school, then listen to Anne-Sophie Mutter, Daniil Trifonov, Maximilian Hornung (cello), Hwayoon Lee (viola) and Roman Patkolo (bass) rejuvenate this composer’s Trout Quintet, D 667 and Notturno in E flat major, D 897.
May I suggest starting with Mutter (and Trifonov at the piano), playing two encore pieces based on Schubert’s Staendchen and Ave Maria, arranged by Mischa Elman and Jascha Heifetz. Mutter’s feathery bow strokes and bell-like double stops are simply divine in these intimate pieces, as is the passion and purity she displays. Her interpretation is reason enough to get this release.
After all, Mutter was asked by Herbert von Karajan to perform with the Berlin Philharmonic at age 13 and has enjoyed worldwide recognition ever since. She is also involved in a Munich-based foundation in her name that supports the career and needs of young talented string players. Of course, Trifonov is a phenomenon of the keyboard, having won the international Tchaikovsky and Arthur Rubinsten competitions.
Although Trifonov is known more as soloist than chamber musician, in spite of this or perhaps because of his virtuosic tendencies, he brings effervescent vibrancy and front and center support to passagework in the Trout quintet, in collaboration with Mutter and friends – who show off the extrovert side of Schubert’s writing with collective energy and panache.
The Allegro vivace erupts in an atmosphere of animated acceleration that continues to sparkle, particularly in the Scherzo and Thema and variations movement, which unfolds in quicksilver speed. However, there are many subtle nuances, particularly from Mutter and Trifonov, who deliver motives based on Schubert’s song Die Forelle (The Trout) with lilting leggerissimo that creates a kinda breathless flexibility - that would make the fish uncatchable for most anglers.
The dreamy Notturno is transformed into a flowing, shimmering dialogue between Mutter, Trifonov and Hornung, where demure rhythmic twists last until the final notes have been played.