An all-star line up of friends who love playing chamber music together celebrated Shostakovich’s centenary in style at the legendary Musikverein in Vienna at the end of 2006. ONYX was there to capture the results, stunning performances of the Piano Quintet and Trio no 1, with as bonus Rachlin and longtime musical partner Janine Jansen joining together for the delightful but rarely-heard 5 Pieces for 2 violins and piano. Still only 33, Julian Rachlin is one of today’s most admired violinists and has recorded for Sony, Warner and DG. He is now forging an ongoing relationship with ONYX. Janine Jansen is one of today’s hottest violin properties and an exclusive Decca artist. Yuri Bashmet already has a DG and ONYX relationship and will shortly make his first solo recital for ONYX. Mischa Maisky is of course DG’s house cellist, and completing the line-up is Itamar Golan, long-time piano partner of Rachlin (and many other notable violinists such as Vadim Repin and Kyung-Wha Chung).
"This is a fabulous recording... These musicians - five world-class soloists are totally unanimous in concept, phrasing, and expression. Merging, but not submerging, their individual personalities, these players unobtrusively alternate between leading and supporting roles, stepping forward or receding into the texture. The string players’ intonation is impeccable. Their tone is uncannily matched and beautiful, with an infinite variety of color and intensity."
Edith Eisler
"This disc is a real must. Not only is it exquisitely performed, but the choice of repertoire is exceptionally well chosen.... Discs like this have become rare; a great ensemble of individual stars that play as if their lives depend on it... with great sound and a unique coupling is hard to beat."
Bart Verhaeghe
