Fitzwilliam String Quartet "Brahms: Clarinet Quintet" SACD

Clarinettist Lesley Schatzberger and the Fitzwilliam String Quartet present a new recording of works by Brahms, Mozart, Glazunov and Sweeny.

Clarinettist Lesley Schatzberger and the Fitzwilliam String Quartet, both of whom have established well-deserved reputations for thoughtfully delivered and historically considered performances, present works by Brahms, Mozart, Glazunov and Sweeney. At the centrepiece is the Brahms Clarinet Quintet in B minor, which in their hands carries particular historical significance. Brahms was originally inspired to write the Quintet after hearing clarinettist Richard Mühlfeld perform. Lesley Schatzberger performs on a specially-made copy made of Mühlfeld's own clarinet and the performers adhere to certain aspects of performance practice which were in favour at that time, while embracing Brahms's attitude to rhythm, tempo, and rubato creating a truly authentic feel. The programme also includes a rare Mozart quintet movement in B flat major, completed by Duncan Druce, which is one of several unfinished Mozart works which are still being realised today, as well as Glazunov's haunting Rêverie Orientale and An Òg-Mhadainn (The Young Morning) by Scottish contemporary composer William Sweeney.

‘The enterprising couplings here are a real bonus... Linn's recording is perfection.' BBC Music Magazine

‘A historically informed performance with a remarkable range of colours. Recommended.' International Record Review

‘Lesley Schatzberger...gives a fascinating and attractive performance.' Gramophone

Recording of the Month: ‘This is a challenging disc for all the right reasons.' MusicWeb International

Tracklisting

1. Clarinet Quintet in B Minor, Op. 115: I. Allegro
2. Clarinet Quintet in B Minor, Op. 115: II. Adagio
3. Clarinet Quintet in B Minor, Op. 115: III. Andantino - Presto non assai, ma con sentiment
4. Clarinet Quintet in B Minor, Op. 115: IV. Con moto
5. Clarinet Quintet in B-Flat Major, K. Anh. 91: I. Allegro
6. 2 Pieces, Op. 14: No. 2, Rêverie orientale
7. An Òg-Mhadainn