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UK original DECCA LXT ED1. Clifford Curzon and members of the Vienna Octet perform Schubert's Trout Quintet.
Record is in EX+! Cover is EX+!
Schubert: Trout Quintet – Decca UK Original LXT 5433 Featuring Clifford Curzon and the Vienna Octet
The Decca UK original LXT 5433 is a highly regarded classical LP featuring Franz Schubert’s Piano Quintet in A major, D. 667, commonly known as the "Trout Quintet." This recording, made in the 1950s, brings together renowned British pianist Clifford Curzon and members of the Vienna Octet, one of the leading chamber music ensembles of the time. The result is a performance that remains one of the most celebrated and definitive interpretations of Schubert’s beloved quintet. As part of Decca’s esteemed LXT series, this LP is highly collectible for its exceptional musical quality and outstanding sound production.
About Clifford CurzonClifford Curzon (1907–1982) was one of Britain’s most distinguished pianists, known for his refined technique, deep musical insight, and sensitive interpretations of Classical and Romantic repertoire. His playing was marked by clarity, elegance, and a profound emotional depth, making him particularly well-suited for chamber music and concertos. Curzon’s collaborations with leading ensembles, such as the Vienna Octet, produced some of the most admired chamber music recordings of his time. His interpretation of Schubert’s Trout Quintet is considered one of the finest ever recorded.
About the Vienna OctetThe Vienna Octet was one of the preeminent chamber ensembles of the 20th century, known for their superb interpretations of Classical and Romantic chamber music. Founded in 1947 by members of the Vienna Philharmonic, the group featured prominent musicians such as Willi Boskovsky (violin) and Nikolaus Hübner (double bass), among others. The ensemble’s attention to detail, balance, and nuanced phrasing made them a perfect match for Curzon in this recording of Schubert’s Trout Quintet.
The LP and Its SignificanceLabel and Pressing: Released by Decca Records in the UK, LXT 5433 is part of the prestigious LXT series, known for its superior sound engineering and high-quality mono pressings. The LXT pressings, particularly the early ED1 editions, are prized for their warmth, clarity, and detailed sound reproduction, making them highly collectible. This particular pressing is regarded as one of the finest in the series due to the legendary collaboration between Curzon and the Vienna Octet.
Sound Quality: Despite being a mono recording, LXT 5433 offers remarkable sound quality that captures the full range of Schubert’s rich and lyrical quintet. The recording features a clear balance between the piano and strings, allowing each instrument to shine while maintaining the cohesive and intimate feel of chamber music. The dynamic range is well preserved, with the delicate interplay between the instruments rendered beautifully. Audiophiles value this LP for its natural tonal warmth and the detailed, immersive listening experience it provides.
Collectibility: As an original LXT pressing, LXT 5433 is a highly sought-after item for collectors of classical vinyl. The rarity of early mono pressings, combined with the significance of the performers and the enduring popularity of Schubert’s Trout Quintet, makes this LP a valuable piece in any collection. Well-preserved copies in excellent condition are especially prized for their superior sound quality and historical importance.
About Schubert’s Trout QuintetFranz Schubert’s Piano Quintet in A major, D. 667, composed in 1819, is one of the most famous works in the chamber music repertoire. It is commonly known as the "Trout Quintet" because the fourth movement is based on Schubert’s earlier song Die Forelle ("The Trout"). The quintet is unusual in its instrumentation, being scored for piano, violin, viola, cello, and double bass, which gives it a distinctive richness and depth of sound. The quintet is structured in five movements:
Allegro vivace: The first movement is light and buoyant, featuring lyrical themes and flowing lines that set the joyful tone of the work. Andante: The second movement is more introspective, with a graceful and flowing melody that creates a sense of calm and reflection. Scherzo: Presto: The third movement is lively and energetic, with playful exchanges between the instruments that add a sense of rhythmic vitality. Theme and Variations (based on Die Forelle): The fourth movement is a set of variations on Schubert’s song Die Forelle, with each variation highlighting different instrumental textures and moods. Finale: Allegro giusto: The final movement is a lively and spirited conclusion, bringing the quintet to an energetic and joyful close.The Trout Quintet is admired for its melodic beauty, rhythmic vitality, and the warmth of its instrumentation, making it a favorite among both performers and audiences.
Curzon and the Vienna Octet’s InterpretationLyrical Beauty and Ensemble Precision: Clifford Curzon’s performance with the Vienna Octet is noted for its lyrical beauty and precise ensemble playing. Curzon’s sensitive touch on the piano blends seamlessly with the strings, allowing the music to flow naturally and expressively. The group’s attention to phrasing, balance, and dynamics creates an intimate, yet vibrant, interpretation of Schubert’s quintet.
Expressive Depth and Warmth: Curzon’s interpretation is marked by its emotional depth and warmth. In the Andante movement, he brings out the lyrical qualities of the piano part with delicate phrasing and expressive nuance, while the strings provide a rich and supportive backdrop. The Theme and Variations movement is handled with particular finesse, as each variation is given its own character, showcasing the interplay between the piano and strings.
Energetic and Joyful Finale: In the final movement, Curzon and the Vienna Octet deliver a performance full of energy and rhythmic vitality. The ensemble’s cohesion and attention to detail allow the lively spirit of the movement to shine, bringing the quintet to a joyful and satisfying conclusion.
Why This Recording is SpecialLegendary Collaboration: The collaboration between Clifford Curzon and the Vienna Octet is widely regarded as one of the greatest performances of Schubert’s Trout Quintet. Their interpretation balances technical precision with emotional warmth, creating a performance that is both engaging and deeply moving.
Decca’s Audiophile Quality: The LXT series is known for its exceptional sound quality, and LXT 5433 exemplifies this tradition. The clarity and warmth of the recording allow the full beauty of the ensemble’s performance to be heard, making this LP a favorite among audiophiles.
Collector’s Appeal: As an original LXT pressing, LXT 5433 is highly collectible. The rarity of early mono pressings, combined with the legendary status of the performers and the importance of the work, makes this LP a valuable item for collectors of classical music.
ConclusionThe Decca UK original LXT 5433 LP, featuring Clifford Curzon and the Vienna Octet performing Schubert’s Trout Quintet, is a landmark recording of one of the most beloved chamber works in the classical repertoire. Curzon’s sensitive and lyrical playing, combined with the Vienna Octet’s precise and expressive ensemble work, makes this performance a definitive interpretation of Schubert’s quintet. Its historical significance, superb sound quality, and collectible rarity ensure that this recording remains highly sought-after in the world of classical vinyl collecting.