Composed in September of 1828, during the final weeks of Schubert’s life, the Quintet in C for two violins, viola and two cellos was Schubert’s last instrumental work, and it ranks among his greatest accomplishments.
Schubert’s decision to use a second cello (rather than the second viola characteristic of Mozart’s quintets) permits him to explore the string trio texture in the middle of the sound range.
The second cello adds to the overall richness of the piece, contributing to darker sounds which represent the sadness and final illness of the composer’s life.
Here are Janine Jansen and her friends to play this amazing music for you:
