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Antoine REICHA
(1770-1836)
Wind Quintets - C minor, Op. 91 No. 6; F, Op. 88 No. 6.
Michael Thompson Wind Quintet.
Naxos 8.554228 [DDD] [68'41]
Crotchet

Tremendously popular during Reicha's lifetime, these quintets are now well known mainly to wind players. This is not entirely fair on them, as they display a freshness of invention that is most invigorating. True, the music is undemanding. The slow movements, for example, make no attempt at profundity - rather, they are the essence of gentilité, with just a smidgen of added gravitas to heighten the mood. The presence of C minor, rather than indicating 'Sturm und Drang, merely points to some passing clouds in a predominantly blue sky.

The Michael Thompson Wind Quintet relish the virtuosity of these pieces (Thompson himself is jaw-droppingly agile in the Minuetto of Op. 88 No. 6). Most importantly, they maintain interest throughout by careful attention to the inner parts, which always have a good deal of life to them. To complete the package, the sound is more than adequate. It is, I'm sure, no coincidence that the Producer/Engineer, Mike Purton, was himself Principal Horn of the Hallé Orchestra for many years.

The major competition comes form the Albert Schweitzer Quintet on CPO (CPO 999 02-6 for Op. 88 No. 6, CPO 999 029-2 for Op. 91 No. 6). Both versions will delight, and if the recording quality is superior on CPO, one can nevertheless feel completely satisfied with the Naxos.

Reviewer

Colin Clarke

Performance

Recording

 

 

 



Reviewer

Colin Clarke

Performance

Recording


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