The Schubert Ensemble Of London - Suite op. 23 für Klavier linke Hand & Streicher / Klavierquintet
Erich Wolfgang Korngold:
1. Quintett für Klavier und Streichquartett E-Dur op. 15
2. Suite für Klavier, 2 Violinen und Violoncello op. 23

This unique coupling of two rarely-heard but gloriously romantic early Korngold chamber masterpieces comes from the distinguished Schubert Ensemble of London. While he is best remembered as one of the greatest of all Hollywood film composers, Korngold's 'straight' classical scores are every bit as memorable. His expansive, three-movement Piano Quintet of 1921, is full of virtuoso writing, with outer movements of, mostly, radiant good-humour surrounding a central Adagio that is an expressive set of variations on his Lieder des Abschieds (Songs of Farewell). The 1928 Suite was written for the one-armed Wittgenstein. This five-movement masterwork is astonishingly rich and sonorous. Its emotional heart is a Lied based on his exquisite song Was Du mir bist?, one of the composer's loveliest melodies. Only one other recording of either work exists, each differently coupled to a smaller-scale piece.

Reviews:
"...expertly played by the Schubert Ensemble of London" (Gramophone) Gramophone Critics' Choice
Penguin Guide ***
Gramophone Good CD Guide Recommendation
Released 2002.