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CD Review
Wolfgang Mozart
Chamber Works with Winds
- Oboe Quartet in F Major, K. 370
- Horn Quintet in E Flat Major, K. 407
- Quintet Movement in F Major, K. 580b
- Quintet for Piano and Wind in E Flat Major, K. 452
Douglas Boyd, oboe
Jonathan Williams, horn
The Gaudier Ensemble
Hyperion CDA67277 74m DDD
Reissued as Helios CDH55390:
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The lovely Quintet Movement that comes third on this disc is a model of Mozart's playful delight in scoring for wind instruments, a fact which is often overlooked. The famous Oboe Quartet is given a splendidly effervescent performance with a bubbly opening movement and energetic Finale.
It is a delight to listen to the Gaudier Ensemble's playing of this music, which is definitely matched for their instrumental combination. The soft, sweet and effusive tones of the lovely Horn Quintet are also brilliantly played with a particularly poignant slow movement that makes one recall Dennis Brain's unforgettable performance (available on BBC Legends). I also enjoyed the Piano Quintet, one of Mozart's most searching chamber works and one, which deserves rather better exposure than it receives. Susan Tomes plays the piano part with assuming conviction and the work is revealed as one of the masterpieces of Mozartian literature in this performance.
I have absolutely no qualms on the Gaudier's magnificent interpretations which are some of the finest we have on disc. Well-written and informative notes set the seal on another highly recommendable issue.
Copyright © 2001, Gerald Fenech
