This new release is the second album in the series of recordings by the soloists of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, under the artistic direction...

This new release is the second album in the series of recordings by the soloists of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, under the artistic direction of Andrew Wan, concertmaster of the OSM since 2008. The recording of Franz Schubert’s Octet in F Major, D. 803 by the OSM Chamber Soloists confirms what La Presse wrote about the musicians and their first album: "... we can only applaud the superior quality of their attack, their accuracy, their cohesion, their collective discourse." For the OSM Chamber Soloists, recording this work was the logical next step after Beethoven’s Septet in E flat major Op. 20. Indeed, many have remarked on the similarities between the two works, composed 25 years apart. Both use similar forces, with Schubert merely adding a second violin to Beethoven’s ensemble of violin, viola, cello, double bass, clarinet, bassoon, and horn; both have six movements connected by identical key relationships; and both feature a generally optimistic character. Surely they will be applauded again for their Octet by Schubert, another great album by the OSM Soloists!

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REVIEW:

Structured in six strong movements, the Octet features many of Schubert’s signature marks such as prominent dotted rhythms, dramatic momentum, and sumptuous melodies. The fourth movement, Andante—variations, is especially captivating with its sublime transitions between the variations.

The OSM Chamber Soloists (comprising members of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal) is a splendid ensemble. Each instrumentalist has a distinct character of their own but the synergy of the ensemble, the osmosis of the musical ideas, is extraordinary.

– The Whole Note (CA)