Dohnányi: Sextet – Strauss: Métamorphosen

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of chamber music with Ernst von Dohnányi's masterful "Dohnányi: Sextet – Strauss: Métamorphosen." This exquisite 2007 release from VDE-GALLO showcases the composer's virtuosity and the intricate interplay of a sextet featuring piano, violin, viola, cello, clarinet, and horn. The album opens with Dohnányi's Sextet in C Major, Op. 37, a four-movement work that spans a range of moods and tempos, from the passionate "Allegro Appassionato" to the lively "Finale: Allegro Vivace, Giocoso." The sextet is a testament to Dohnányi's skill in blending diverse instrumental voices into a cohesive and expressive whole.

Complementing the sextet is Richard Strauss's "Metamorphosen," a profound and reflective work for 23 solo strings. This piece, composed in the latter part of Strauss's career, is a poignant meditation on the destruction of German culture during World War II. The album's duration of just under an hour offers a concise yet comprehensive exploration of these two seminal works, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.

The performances on this album are brought to life by a stellar ensemble, including notable contributions from Alexandre Tansman, Tibor Harsanyi, Bohuslav Martinu, and Armin Jordan, among others. The Kammerensemble de Paris, under the direction of Armin Jordan, delivers a performance that is both technically precise and deeply expressive, capturing the essence of Dohnányi and Strauss's compositions. Whether you are a seasoned classical music aficionado or a curious newcomer, this album promises a rewarding listening experience.