I wrote a review of a new Trout Quintet CD recording a couple of weeks ago. In my research for that disappointing release, I searched Audiophilia for my review of a Decca LP reissue of the Trout. I thought I reviewed it last year. Nothing there, which leads me to this very pleasant task—reviewing a classic performance and reissue recording of one of Schubert's most endearing works.
Schubert usually wrote chamber music with specific musical friends in mind, which may be the reason for the quintet's odd instrumentation; piano, violin, viola, cello and double bass. No matter, because typical of Schubert, his genius for exquisite melody and concomitant harmony is in full swing here. It's called the Trout because the 4th movement is a set of variations on his song Die Forelle (The Trout).