Strictly speaking, nothing needs to be said or written about a work like "the Schubert Quintet". There is this melancholy that lies over everything, even in the joyful moments, The intimacy, the vulnerability and this feeling of mortality, of being consecrated to death. And yet, in the same breath, this irrepressibly joie de vivre, the enjoyment of love, happiness and beauty - not one after the other, but at the same time.

It is absolutely clear that this work must stand alone, without any accompanying music. What would come next? There can be no pure silence for a long time after this work, perhaps never again for a sensitive listener. This piece makes the soul vibrate in a way that you will never forget.

The Acies Quartet and Martin Rummel dedicate this recording to the two oldest living members of the Alban Berg Quartet, Gunter Pichler and Valentin Erben, who celebrate their 85th and 80th birthdays in the year of this release.