These two works, so eminently suited as concert partners, disappeared after Hitler came to power. Korngold and Schoenberg were both victimized for being ‘non-Aryan’ and their works were banned. Verklärte Nacht quickly re-established itself, but the Korngold had to wait for its reappraisal until it was discovered in 1987 by the Raphael Ensemble, who gave its first public performance in the United Kingdom at the Purcell Room in London that year.

In this recording, two of the finest examples of the string sextet repertoire have been re-united. Stripped of all the surrounding intrigue, they can be enjoyed for what they truly represent- the very summit of late Austrian romanticism from Imperial Vienna, just before it finally disappeared for ever.

Gramophone Critics' Choice

‘Intensely dramatic, superbly played … glowingly rich, full-bodied sound. Recommended unreservedly’ - CD Review

‘An altogether beautiful tonal quality … strongly recommended’ - Fanfare, USA

‘The Raphael Ensemble are superb in every respect; their performances have blazing commitment and integrity, and Hyperion’s recording is in the demonstration category’ - BBC Music Magazine Top 1000 CDs Guide

[from CDA66425]