Brahms: String Quartet No. 3; Clarinet Quintet

Campbell, James, New Zealand String Quartet

8.573454

Having followed in Mozart’s footsteps, Brahms allows the clarinet to become part of the texture of the string instruments, giving it a modicum of solo status, the beautiful lilting melody that opens the second movement being one of those rare moments.
James Campbell’s long experience in the world of chamber music has that musical intelligence to admirably blend with his colleagues, the performance never becoming too robust, and at the same time avoiding any sentimentality. It unexpectedly comes to a rather sombre conclusion, following on a lightweight scherzo that had been influenced by Mendelssohn. The third, and last of the string quartets, opens the disc in a boisterous rustic quality, with an underlying dance rhythm that contrasts with the sadness and drama of the following Andante. The performance avoids the often inserted happiness in the following Agitato, a mood they continue into the finale. With this disc, the New Zealand String Quartet complete their recording of the Brahms quartets, my one reservation regarding violin intonation when reviewing the first disc being here less apparent.
Even in a profusion of much acclaimed versions that are already available, the two releases are recommended in the bargain price category. • © 2017 David’s Review Corner

CD x 1

Naxos

3/28/17

0747313345472