Catalogue | Chamber Music

The audite series of chamber music for string instruments by Eduard Franck continues with his two String Quintets Opp. 15 and 51 which were probably written, respectively, around 1845 and 1870. With these two works, which were composed at a time when demand for high-quality works increased considerably, due to the rapid development of bourgeois concert life, Franck proves, once again, to be one of the most original German-speaking composers of chamber music. Franck’s quintets satisfy both “connoisseurs” and “enthusiasts” thanks to their masterful command of contrapuntal techniques, as well as the succinct and memorable melodic and thematic invention which is combined with great dramatic arches. At the same time, the music, thanks to the idiomatic string writing which is carefully adapted to each instrument, develops a noble and stirring spirit whose subliminal melancholy in several respects anticipates Brahms’ musical language. The climax is surely the finale of the second quintet which Franck conceived as a theme with ten variations, in which he reveals an astonishing expressive spectrum. The string quintets by Eduard Franck, scored for the standard combination of two violins, two violas and one cello, are first-class additions to the repertoire of nineteenth century chamber music.

• Audiophile Audition | John Sunier | March 2, 2012

  Eduard Franck: String Quintets Op. 15 & 51 – Audite
  No relation of Cesar Franck, but an important creator of excellent chamber works heard here in their premiere recordings
  Violinist Edinger has a special thing for composer Eduard Franck, and has already done four previous recordings for Audite of his music. Eduard Franck...

• International Record Review | Colin Anderson | January 4, 2012

  If I were writing a two-word review, I'd simply say 'rather nice'. However, you may need to know that Eduard Franck was born in Breslau in 1817 and...

• Klassieke zaken | Doron Nagan | May 22, 2012

  Strijkkwintetten
  De muziek van de componist Eduard Franck (1817-1893) is ronduit een ontdekking. Het is vreemd dat een componist van dit niveau volkomen vergeten is....

• Pizzicato | RéF | January 4, 2012

  Für Feinschmecker
  Zwischen den zwei Streichquintetten von Eduard Franck (1817-1893) liegen 25 Jahre. Das erste entstand um 1845, das zweite um 1870. Veröffentlicht...

• www.clofo.com | Bob McQuiston | February 28, 2012

  As far as romantic composers named Franck are concerned, France may have produced César (1822-1890), but Germany did them one better with Eduard...