Schubert: Octet – The Fibonacci Sequence
The Fibonacci Sequence, one of Britain’s foremost chamber ensembles, here performs Schubert’s sublime Octet in F.
Written as a commission and modelled on Beethoven’s Septet, Op. 20, Schubert’s Octet takes the form of a large-scale divertimento – a piece to be listened to as recreation, not too demanding, not too serious. Composed in March 1824, and scored for clarinet, bassoon, horn, two violins, viola, cello, and double-bass, it is the largest in scale of Schubert’s chamber works.
Schubert’s gift for melody and for brilliant yet delicate decoration shines on this disc, highlighted by the solo violin, traversing the myriad moods of this masterpiece in the company of the clarinet and other fellow members of the distinguished ensemble.
‘…dazzlingly good chamber ensemble…’
The Times
‘…no praise can be too high for the Fibonacci Sequence’s polished and dashingly committed performances…’
Gramophone
"...There is ... no questioning the clean playing or warmth of tone. This group is truly excellent... Simply because it is such a difficult instrument to play, and play well, I must single out hornist Stephen Stirling for his outstanding playing, but no one in the ensemble needs to take a back seat to any of the others in any competing chamber groups. They are that good... you can’t go far wrong with this Fibonacci disc."
Lynn René Bayley - Fanfare - September/October 2012
Editor’s Choice
Disc of the year material... The Fibonaccis sound like they’re having a ball" *****
Philip Clark
