Pizzicato

The Fitzwilliam String Quartet has recorded two heavyweights from the quartets of Franz Schubert on its 50th anniversary. The ensemble, playing on historical instruments, has undertaken two works in minor keys, the one in A minor known as the Rosamunde Quartet, as well as the D minor quartet with the nickname The Death and the Maiden.

The many years of experience in making music together produce a flawless result, based on instinctive understanding and full trust between musicians, even if, for example, the cellist has only been with the group for a few years. The presentation is characterized by fine lines and lively structure. However, the presentation of the quartets shows more the sunny side of life and less the abysmal dark sides, which can also be extracted from these works.

—Remy Franck