Franz Schubert, the composer of the works on this album, was the only great classical composer to be born in Vienna.
Composition History
Schubert's 'Trout' Quintet was commissioned by Sylvester Paumgartner, a mine manager and amateur cellist, who specifically requested variations on Schubert's song 'Die Forelle' (The Trout).
Performer Biography
The Busch Trio is named after Adolf Busch, a violinist and musician who served as a shining example for the young trio, and Mathieu van Bellen plays Busch's former violin.
Compositional Technique
The 'Trout' Quintet unusually divides its first, second, and fifth movements into two halves, with the second half essentially the same as the first but with key changes.
Critical Reception
Robert Schumann, a famous German composer and critic, described Schubert's B flat Trio as 'passive, feminine, lyrical,' stating that it makes 'the troubles of our human existence disappear'.
Recording & Production
The Busch Trio chose to include an exposition repeat in the Rondo of the 'Trout' Quintet, believing it strengthens the modulation after trying both options in concert.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The 'Trout' Quintet and the B flat Trio showcase Schubert's most engaging characteristics, brimming with melodic invention, charm, and nostalgia.
