String Quintet D956, String Quartet Movement D703 (Cypress String Quartet)

Franz Schubert’s (1797-1828) String Quartet in C major, one of the most loved of all chamber works and considered one of the greatest, has a haunted beauty. Schubert died of syphilis within weeks of completing it. Its lyrical melodies are heartfelt, with emotional expressiveness and spirituality. Schubert demonstrates skillful use of the five instruments and manipulation of form, engaging harmonic language, and a moving ambiguity between major and minor modes. A critic called it, “one of the most sublime compositions ever penned.” The Quartettsatz, a mvmt from an uncompleted quartet started when Schubert was 24, is regarded as the first of his mature quartets, requiring professional performers. His earlier chamber works had been composed for performance by his family members or other amateurs. The Cypress String Quartet is known for elegant performances and praised for its “artistry of uncommon insight and cohesion.”

1. Schubert: String Quintet In C D956 1. Allegro Ma No Troppo (19:57)
2. String Quintet In C D956 2. Adagio (13:59)
3. String Quintet In C D956 3. Scherzo: Presto - Trio Andante Sostenuto (10:48)
4. String Quintet In C D956 4. Allegretto (9:33)
5. Quartettsatz (Movement) In C Minor D703 (8:57)