Brahms / Fitzwilliam String Quartet / Schatzberger - Clarinet Quintet (CD)

Clarinetist Lesley Schatzberger and the Fitz William 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. originally released in 2007 'Brahms: clarinet quintet' has been re-issued as part of Linn's echo series which offers a second chance to enjoy the best of the label's award-winning catalogue. at the centre piece 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 clarinet player Richard Muhlfeld perform. Lesley Schatzberger performs on a specially-made copy made of Muhlfeld's own clarinet and the performers adhere to certain aspects of performance practice which were in favor at that time, while embracing Brahms's attitude to rhythm, tempo, and Rubato creating a truly authentic feel. the program 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 realized today, as well as Glazunov's haunting reverie oriental and an Og-Mhadainn (the young morning) by Scottish contemporary composer William Sweeney. founded in 1968 by four Cambridge undergraduates, the Fitzwilliam string quartet first became well known through their close personal association with Dmitri Shostakovich, who entrusted them with the western premieres of his last three quartets. Lesley Schatzberger has been at the forefront of historical instrument performance since her student days and has taken part in pioneering performances of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven on period instruments. 'everything about this reading is so beautifully shaded and perfectly balanced...' (fanfare)