Mozart's Quintets
Mozart's Quintets
Gramophone Choice
String Quintets Nos 1-6. Divertimento, K563
Arthur Grumiaux, Arpad Gérecz (vns) Georges Janzer, Max Lesueur (vas) Eva Czako (vc)
Philips Trio 470 950-2PTR3 (3h 31' · ADD · Recorded 1973) Buy from Amazon
Of the six works Mozart wrote for string quintet, that in B flat major, K174, is an early composition, written at the age of 17. It’s a well-made, enjoyable work, but not a great deal more than that. The C minor work, K406, is an arrangement by Mozart of his Serenade for six wind instruments, K388. It’s difficult not to feel that the original is more effective, since the music seems to sit a little uncomfortably on string instruments. But the remaining four works, written in the last four years of Mozart’s life, are a different matter. The last string quintets from Mozart’s pen were extraordinary works, and the addition of the second viola seems to have pulled him to still greater heights. It has been suggested that Mozart wrote K515 and K516 to show King Friedrich Wilhelm II of Prussia that he was a better composer of string quintets than Boccherini, whom the King had retained as chamber music composer to his court. There was no response, so he offered these two quintets for sale with the K406 arrangement to make up the usual set of three. K593 and K614 were written in the last year of his life. Refinement is perhaps the word that first comes to mind in discussing these performances, which are affectionate yet controlled by a cool, intelligent sensitivity. The recordings have been well transferred, and Grumiaux’s tone, in particular, is a delight to the ear.
Additional Recommendation
Mozart Clarinet Quintet
Karl Leister (cl) Berlin Soloists
Warner Apex 0927 44350-2 (71' · DDD)
This is a familiar and successful coupling of two of the most beautiful works written for clarinet and strings. Karl Leister gives most beautifully easy, charming, relaxed performances of both works, and the recordings are pleasantly fresh and immediate. There’s no lack of sparkle in Mozart’s final variations, and the Hungarian tinges are beautifully touched upon in the Brahms; the slow music in both works is reflective and tender without any loss of poise. Here are two beautiful performances that can be warmly recommended.
