Franz Schubert - Forellen Quintet

Aldo Baerten: Wooden flute

Martin Helmchen: Piano

Christian Tetzlaff: Violin

Antoine Tamestit: Viola

Marie-Elisabeth Hecker: Cello

Alois Posch: Double Bass

PantaTone Classics PTC 5186 334

This disc presents a selection of chamber music gems by Schubert. The highlight for flautists on this disc will be the set of variations. This work, based on Schubert’s own lied Trockne Blumen from the song cycle Die schone Mullerin, is one of the few romantic works flautists have that was originally written for their instrument, so it is not surprising that this virtuosic work has become a staple in the standard flute repertoire.

Originally based on a poem by William Muller, this piece was written in 1824 for the composer’s friend and Professor at the Vienna Conservatory at the time, Ferdinand Bogner. Employing the theme from the 18th song in the cycle, Schubert built it into an introduction and theme with seven variations, which remained unpublished during the composer’s lifetime.

The flautist on this recording is Aldo Baerten. Originally a student of Peter Lukas-Graf and Philippe Boucly, he is now Principal Flautist with the Royal Flemish Philharmonic and Professor of Flute at the Royal Conservatorium in Antwerp and the Hogeschool der Kunsten Utrecht. Holding an impressive CV, he has been a guest with a range of high calibre ensembles including the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, the I Fiamminghi, the European Union Opera and the Rotterdam Philharmonic.

His interpretation of Schubert’s work is timbrally interesting (enhanced by use of a wooden Braun flute) and his attention to detail and subtly of dynamics is clear. It is both stylish and expressive, with vibrato enhancing the nuances of the phrases. Extreme contrasts and risk taking provide variety and make it interesting to listen to. The young German pianist, Martin Helmchen, is more than a suitable match, playing the roles of both sensitive accompanist and virtuosic keyboard soloist as required.

This disc also contains two of Schubert’s best loved string chamber works, the Piano Quintet in A (otherwise known as the “Trout” quintet) and the Piano Trio in E Flat. Performed by the Forellen Quintet, a group of distinguished European instrumentalists, their shapely, elegant and flowing phrasing and extremes of dynamic bring this music to life.

Morwenna Collett has a Masters degree, Honours degree, and the University Medal from the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University and works as an Arts Development Officer for a government arts agency. An experienced flute teacher, she enjoys performing contemporary Australian music and playing the entire flute family, and plays in the Gold Coast Symphony Orchestra and the Zephyr wind quintet.