Janine Jansen Leads the Schubert Octet

In the last few years Dutch violinist Janine Jansen has emerged as as one of the most exciting soloists of the younger generation. But she loves chamber music too and has started her own festival to spend more time doing it. She is artistic director of the International Chamber Music Festival Utrecht and has attracted some wonderful musicians to make music with her. This year's festival takes place between Dec. 26-30.

Our video this week is a fine example of Jansen's involvement in chamber music: a movement from Schubert's Octet. Jansen leads the ensemble with Julia-Maria Kretz, violin, Maxim Rysanov, viola, Jens Peter Maintz, cello, Stacey Watton, double bass, Chen Halevi, clarinet, Sergio Azzolini, bassoon, and Radovan Vlatkovic, horn. Each of the players has a distinguished career as a soloist and chamber music musician and it shows in this wonderful performance. Every detail has been carefully considered and the phrasing and rhythms perfectly realized. The tempo for the Trio section is just ideal: it makes you want to get up and dance! Also in the Trio the bassoonist's phrasing is a joy to hear.

Paul E. Robinson