Ensemble Concertant Frankfurt - Onslow: String Quintets, Opp. 33 & 74 (2004)

Posted By: ArlegZ

Date: Jan. 30, 2011

Throughout the 19th century, the chamber music of Georges Onslow (1784-1853) was afforded the same respect as that of Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven. According to one source, “his work was admired by both Beethoven and Schubert, the latter modeling his own 2 cello quintet (D.956) on those of Onslow and not, as is so often claimed, on those of Boccherini.” While Onslow was known as “the French Beethoven,” his string quartets/quintets fit neatly within the 'quatuor brilliants' genre that arose from Louis Spohr. This type of string writing gives the first violin freer rein as a soloist; a concerto for violin and string quartet, in other words.
The String Quintet No. 11 in B-flat major (1828) covers a range of expressive aims from the aristocratic good taste of Haydn to the pathos of Beethoven. The opening “Allegro con brio” balances passionate vigor with a bright genial Haydnesque character. There’s a curious recurring chromatic descending figure that stands out, while the development is contrapuntal with rising figures that suggest Mannheim rockets. A gloomy mood permeates the “Andante maestoso,” in which minor-key angst and the gravity of a Beethoven adagio intermingle. Extremely dark low-register timbres from the double bass add to the solemnity. Sorrow ultimately prevails and the movement tapers off in pitiful chromatic descents. The scherzo is heavily active with busy violin patter and full string tuttis. In the finale, Onslow evokes the “quatour brilliants” spirit, giving the first violin part special importance and rip-roaring passagework; the movement has gusto, vibrant melodic content, and engaging dynamic contrasts.
Onslow’s fecund ideas and imagination become more impressive with each passing work. Thus the String Quintet No. 30 in E minor (1847) is, from start to finish, a riveting example of his craft. It begins in the doldrums with an “Allegro grandioso” of dark colors, diminished chords, and intense pathos. This Sturm und Drang is suppressed only briefly for a songful 2nd theme before the agitation returns, gaining symphonic grandeur in the development. A lithe “Menuetto” with dotted rhythms follows; most interesting is the trio for its elaborate violin lines and bariolage passages. The quintet goes out in a blaze of glory with the final “Allegro.” Here the first violin is really treated like a concerto soloist with passionate flourishes, trilling, and bariolage. The entire ensemble is taxed with fast rhythms, counterpoint, expressive changes from minor to major, and repeated notes galore. RHR Silvertrust deems this “one of Onslow’s best quintets.”
It appears the Ensemble Concertant Frankfurt has taken over for MDG in recording Onslow’s string quintets, which was previously handled by the Quintett Momento Musicale. Frankfurt strikes me as equally up to the task and demonstrates a refined technique, superlative tonal shading, and sheer conviction and brio. I have only good things to say about their playing.
– amazon.com

Performer:
Ensemble Concertant Frankfurt

Track List
String Quintet, Op. 74 in E minor
01. I. Allegro grandioso
02. II. Menuetto. Moderato molto
03. III. Andantino grazioso.
04. IV. Finale. Allegro molto animato
String Quintet, Op. 33 in B flat major
05. I. Allegro con brio
06. II. Andante mestoso
07. III. Minuetto. Non troppo presto
08. IV. Finale. Allegretto grazioso

EAC LOG

Exact Audio Copy V1.3 from 2. September 2016

EAC extraction logfile from 7. February 2018, 13:47

Ensemble Concertant Frankfurt / Onslow – String quintets, Op. 33 & 74

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Range status and errors

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Filename C:\Program Files\Exact Audio Copy\Flac\Onslow – String quintets, Op. 33 & 74.wav

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