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
