Renaud Capucon - Brahms: String Sextets Nos. 1 & 2 (2017) [CD-Rip]

Brahms' two string sextets, like other works in the genre, are generally played by established string quartets with added players. Ad hoc groupings are rarely successful for quartets, and in these Brahms works -- some of the most intricate in terms of both balance and contrapuntal interaction that he ever wrote -- the odds of success would seem to be even lower. Yet this version, recorded live at the Aix-en-Provence Easter Festival in 2016, succeeds brilliantly, perhaps because of the presence of a pair of Capuçon brothers, perhaps because of the dominating presence of violinist Renaud Capuçon, who talks in the booklet about his longtime desire to record these pieces, or perhaps for some more elusive reason. It may be French Brahms, all delicacy and quiet and even humor, but delicacy works well in these pieces where so many details are hidden in the counterpoint. Sample the first movement of the String Sextet No. 2 in G major, Op. 36, where the tonal instability of the beginning, with everything growing from the marvelous leading-tone-to-tonic resolution, is nailed. In the hands of these players, the passage sounds like early Debussy, and yet its connections to the main body of the movement are palpable. Everywhere there is evidence of deep acquaintance with the work, even if the group came together only for this concert. The only downside is that the live sound is barely adequate, but this is Brahms to note well, even to treasure. -- James Manheim