Korngold, Bridge: String Sextets (2006)

The string sextet is an unusual beast when it comes to both composition and performance. While it gives the composer more freedom to fill in the inner voices, simultaneously explore the upper and lower registers of all the instruments, and experiment with some sonorities that are not possible in the string quartet, it's still an awkward ensemble for which to compose and many composers have visited the grouping only a couple of times, if at all. From a performance standpoint, intonation in a string sextet is especially ... Read More

The string sextet is an unusual beast when it comes to both composition and performance. While it gives the composer more freedom to fill in the inner voices, simultaneously explore the upper and lower registers of all the instruments, and experiment with some sonorities that are not possible in the string quartet, it's still an awkward ensemble for which to compose and many composers have visited the grouping only a couple of times, if at all. From a performance standpoint, intonation in a string sextet is especially difficult. This is only exacerbated by the fact that there are few standing string sextets in existence, so usually what happens is that six virtuoso players are thrown together to play. Such is the case with this recording of the Korngold and Bridge string sextets by the ensemble Concertante. There are some positive attributes to the playing. Individual solos are all incredibly well-executed. Pacing, rubato, tempo selection, articulation, and other general ensemble considerations are... Read Less