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Mozart: Chamber Music for Winds and Strings - Boston Symphony Chamber Players

Mozart: Chamber Music for Winds and Strings - Boston Symphony Chamber Players

BSO Classics  0601

Stereo/Multichannel Hybrid

Classical - Chamber


Mozart: Quintet in A for clarinet, two violins, viola, and cello K.581, Quintet in E-flat for horn, violin, two violas, and cello K.407, Quartet in F for oboe, violin, viola, and cello K.370 (368b), Quartet in A for flute, violin, viola, and cello K.298

Boston Symphony Chamber Players

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Review by John Broggio - March 17, 2007

This is an auspicious start to the BSO Classics label. With such heavenly music, one wishes for heavenly performances and sound to match.

This is not a disc of "modern" Mozartean playing; it rather harks back to a "golden era" of the vinyl disc in approach but with, naturally, far greater detail and presence to the sound. Opening with the greatest work, the clarinet quintet, ones ears are sought out and caressed by the beautiful sound emanating from the BSO principals. There are moments (and I must stress these are only moments) when I wished for more forward momentum in the first movement; largely due to some slightly eccentric rubato from the (otherwise well behaved) cellist. The dedication of the playing in the slow movement is lovely and transports ones imagination on glorious flights of fantasy - how one wishes that this feeling could last forever! The third movement is sadly where the point making becomes intrusive to the overall musical line and interrupts the flow - some may like this, I do not. Fortunately the finale sees a return of the higher standards of musicianship and one is tempted to forgive the earlier indiscretions and start over.

The horn quintet is not in the same league of composition but the playing is very good indeed. The oboe quartet is finer music and the playing is allied to this - a joy from beginning to end. I must admit to being slightly disappointed in the flute quartet - nothing to do with the playing but I was wishing for the more famous D major quartet with the marvellous slow movement where the flute floats over pizzicato strings... Oh well, back to reality - the playing is very good indeed; it is just a shame that there were some mannerisms present in the clarinet quintet.

The sound is very clear but is perhaps a little too closely miked for all tastes; the "breath" in the clarinettists tone is often audible - it doesn't bother me although I know others who it might. This characteristic is noticeable by its absence in the remainder of the programme.

So, perhaps not a first choice but I have to say that I am eager to hear more from these players (hopefully joined by a great many of their colleagues in repertoire in which they are justly famous). If the combination is right, then don't hold back as there are many delights contained within...

(Gift)

Copyright © 2007 John Broggio and HRAudio.net

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Sonics (Multichannel):

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