Description:

This album of late Schubert works by three of Germany's leading mid-career soloists was the trio's last recording due to Folkert's untimely death. The recording session took place shortly before Folkert was diagnosed with cancer, and he sometimes lay on the couch in between sessions, fighting off the pain. The three of them are of the highest standard in their technique and interpretation, and the music is as heavenly and charming as only the late Schubert could be. The three performers' technique and interpretation are of the highest standard, and the music fully expresses the heavenly charm of late Schubert's "songs" and the light and dark emotions brought about by the changes in harmony. The second piece, which Faulkert said, "I feel as if my whole life has been leading up to this point," is a masterpiece. The album, coupled with the excellent selection of music, allows one to be deeply immersed in the world of Schubert's late period. (C)RS