Mendelssohn: Octet, Op. 20; Raff: Octet, Op. 176

Raff Octet a Real Discovery!

I can't recommend this recording more strongly, primarily because of the surprisingly exquisite Raff octet, which commands center stage on this CD over it's oft-performed companion. The Mendelssohn, while good, is a throwaway on this CD. You can get recordings of this work for a dime a dozen, and much better than the performance found here.
This is, as far as I know, the only recording of the Raff octet available on CD. After hearing it, I sincerely hope that one day I am able to choose from dozens of similar recordings. Not that the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-fields chamber ensemble gives a less than superb reading of the work, but there's not much to compare it with, you know.
It has been said that Joachim Raff is the most extreme example of neglected genius in history. This CD makes a good case for that statement.
I won't yak too much about the individual movements, because a better case can be made by simply listening to the clips available on this page. One thing I can tell you is that the 3rd movement contains some of the most achingly beautiful, heartfelt music these ears have ever heard. Additionally, the final minute of the last movement goes out with a high octane ending you'll want to hear again and again.
I give this recording 4 big thumbs up. Two from me, and after hearing it, two more from you.
Enjoy! May 21, 2006

Great Raff octet

Although I do not want to take anything away from the Mendelssohn piece (an astonishing feat for someone that young, but still showing a certain immaturity), the real gem here is Joachim Raff's amazing octet. It may be considerably shorter than the Mendelssohn, but what it lacks in lengh it makes up for in substance. This is one of Raff's best chamber pieces, and that says something considering the quality of the composer's chamber music.
The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields' players perform admirably, although more so in the Raff than in the Mendelssohn octet, of which there are better interpretations to be found. Buy this for the Raff, and don't hesitate to do so. October 8, 2003

Very exciting

Although too strongly influeced by Beethoven's late string quartets, it's still amazing that Mendelssohn composed this Octet at just 16 years old! In particular, the final movement is really exciting. On this recording, ASMF did a very good job, which is better (much faster!) than their recording for Philips. This is a must-buy for those who loves fast fugal compositions. March 2, 1999

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