Mozart: Five Divertimenti—Erato Originals

Read About This Recording

By the ripe old age of 33, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart had composed a veritable library of hits. That he was a master of his craft is utterly undeniable. Surely these tracks can be found in most any music collection, whether as part of an all-Mozart program or on a compilation of essential classics. What, then, could possibly be left to discover in this beloved and quite recognizable music?

For starters, the Erato record label was founded in 1953 to promote French classical music. And, though Mozart was certainly not French, the musicians featured on these three discs (primarily) are. While the music itself may be instantly familiar, the interpretations are refreshingly new and the artists themselves more than merit discovery outside their homelands.

Mozart counted among his friends the clarinetist Anton Stadler, for whom he wrote several compositions. Likely, the music featured on this disc — the Five Divertimentos, KV.Anh.229 (K.439b) — was intended for Stadler to perform. Mozart's original manuscript calls for three basset-horns, but on this fine CD, clarinetist Jacques Lancelot and bassoonist Paul Hongne are joined instead by oboist Pierre Pierlot. These three artists have an instant familiarity that hails from their participation in the Quintette á vent Français, of which famed flutist Jean-Pierre Rampal was also a member.

This collection has been digitally remastered from the original Erato recordings, breathing new life into these otherwise fairly obscure performances. A worthy discovery for any music library.

—Elaine Sutcliffe

Contents

Five Divertimenti in B-flat Minor for Oboe, Clarinet & Bassoon, KV.Anh.229 (K.439b).

Pierre Pierlot, Oboe; Jacques Lancelot, Clarinet; Paul Hongne, Bassoon.