Viennese Whirl

If ever there was a disk with a ring of authenticity, this could be it. Performances by the Wiener Oktett of the octets by Schubert and by Ludwig Spohr. Elegant civilised music played with total understanding. The Spohr piece is a most acceptable diversion, there was much of worth that was composed by these now lesser known Viennese figures ( Spohr was much more significant in his own time ) It can't be denied though that the Schubert is by far the more substantial work and a reminder that as much work was put into chamber pieces as into any symphony. Of course, it was also much easier for performances of smaller ensembles to be put on in the salons and drawing rooms. These performances from the late fifties do not sound at all dated, either in terms of playing or sound recording quality.