Mozart: Wind Concertos

Read About This Recording

The Concerto for Flute, Harp, and Orchestra in C, K.299, is one of only two double concertos that Mozart composed. It is also the only piece of music Mozart wrote that features the harp. The concerto was written in April 1778 during his time in Paris at the Court of Guînes. It was commissioned, although never paid for, by the Duc de Guînes, Adrien-Louis de Bonnières, an avid flute player and whose daughter — a harpist — was taking composition lessons from Mozart. The piece is essentially in the form of a sinfonia concertante, which was an extremely popular form in France at the time. It features soloists but not so much that it retains the impression of a purely orchestral work.

This recording of the Concerto for Flute and Harp features two legendary players, Jean-Pierre Rampal and Lily Laskine. Both are considered by many to be two of the greatest at their chosen instruments. Rampal is the man responsible for elevating the flute and re-establishing it as a virtuosic solo instrument comparable to the greatest pianists and string players today. He performs with Lily Laskine, one of the most prominent harpists of the 20th century and famed for her phrasing, color and dynamic range.

This recording was made in 1963 and is reissued by Erato. The vision and direction of the soloists is reflected in this famous work by Mozart — never cold, always full of verve and bouncing rhythms. With playing that is inspired — sometimes mischievous, sometimes electrifying — it is a signature of a great performance.

The double concerto is coupled with the famous Clarinet Concerto in A, K.622, featuring Jacques Lancelot as soloist. It was one of Mozart's final completed works and his last purely instrumental work. The concerto is notable for its delicate interplay between soloist and orchestra and a lack of an overly extroverted display on the part of the clarinet gives it both a sublime and understated character.

Both works are accompanied by the Jean-François Paillard Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Jean-François Paillard, himself. Irresistibly entertaining, this recording is a worthy addition to any collection.

—J. Maxwell Fletcher

Quotes

"Rampal turns out a performance of K.299 that has style, breadth and charm." —Gramophone Magazine

Contents

Concerto pour flûte et harpe en ut majeur KV299; Concerto pour clarinette en la majeur KV622.

Jean-Pierre Rampal, Flute; Lily Laskine, Harp; Jacques Lancelot, Clarinet; Orchestre de Chambre Jean-François Paillard; Jean-François Paillard, Conductor.