Hoffmeister: Notturnos (Quintets) - Simon Fuchs
Tudor CD 7124
Stereo/Multichannel Hybrid
Classical - Chamber
Franz Anton Hoffmeister: Notturnos (Quintets) for Oboe, Violin, 2 Violas, Horn & Bassoon
Simon Fuchs (oboe)
Primoz Novsak (violin)
Michel Rouilly, Katja Fuchs (viola)
Jakob Hefti (horn)
Manfred Sax (bassoon)
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Review by John Broggio - June 21, 2006
This is an utterly charming disc. There is no deep profundity that can be found in the greatest Haydn, Mozart or Beethoven (Hoffmeister's contemporaries) but pure pleasure from Haydn-esque chamber works. All of the works feature Oboe, Bassoon & two Viola's. Three of the notturno's are three movement affairs, with a violin, following a fast-slow-fast pattern and might be thought of as a chamber equivalent of the Classical concerto. The other notturno's feature a horn instead of the violin and have the form of a serenade or divertimento, with five movements a piece. Whilst not soul-searching, the quality of interplay is delightful even if none of the melodies are particularly memorable.
The playing is quite simply a joy - at all times, the musicians place themselves at the service of the music and are never remotely egotistical but nor are they bland. Their combined approach is cohesive and persuasive - perhaps should not be a surprise as the musicians featured here are all (associate) prinicipals of the Tonhalle Zurich.
Tudor's recording is beyond criticism, with ideal perspective of the musicians so that every detail & subtlety of the playing is captured but set back enough so that there is no click-clack of the woodwind nor rosin of the bows.
Perfect for a relaxing evening's wistful dreaming...
Copyright © 2006 John Broggio and HRAudio.net
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