SCHUBERT. Piano Quintet in A major. 0667. "Die ® Forelle". Arthur Grumiaux (yin); Georges Janzer (via); Eva Czako (vie); Jacques Cazauran (db), Ingrid Haebler (pno). Philips Musica da camera ® 6570 924, LEJ 7310 924. From SAL3621 (10/67).

Here is a lovely performance. Its grace and lightness Suit this particular work to perfection, and the intimate pianissimos and musicianly phrasing are a joy. Ingrid Haebler is, in some ways, a rather unassertive pianist, always putting the music first, but it is in fact her subtle command of style more than anything else that keeps making you think what a beautiful work this is. She is very well matched by Arthur Grumiaux and the other strings. Tempos, sometimes a shade faster than usual, are nicely judged, though I wished they had not slowed down quite so much in the Trio of the Scherzo. The famous variations sound fresh and new-minted; they don't always. The balance is ideal, with the double-bass clearly audible, and the quality of the sound has survived the passing of time very well. R.F.