Various - Robert Volkmann: Complete String Quartets, Piano Trios

Robert Volkmann�s string quartets are distinguished by compositional-technical mastery, creative powers of imagination, and harmonic sophistication, and the absolutely breath-taking interpretation by the Mannheim String Quartet lends the whole a special finishing touch. The enthusiasm expressed in the Frankfurter Rundschau beyond all doubt applies to our complete recording: �If the quartets were by Brahms, they would be counted among the highly-esteemed works of the nineteenth century. The Mannheim String Quartet plays precisely, profoundly, and rousingly.� Even though Volkmann�s two piano trios from the years 1842-43 and 1850 are relatively early works, they rank with his best compositions.