Mozart: Clarinet Concerto; Clarinet Quintet

You can tell that Mozart loved the clarinet - and this CD is proof. Even though he wrote the concerto for a basset horn (a lower-pitched relative), Mozart loved and appreciated the purity of the clarinet sound and really knew how to work the instrument's three registers: mellow and deep in the base, clear and pure in the middle range, extremely bright and penetrating in the top range. Both these works demonstrate how he could tailor his writing to those characteristics and to the accompaniment he wrote in the symphony, and for the brilliant interplay with the other instruments in the quintet. Example: NOBODY has ever done as much with five descending notes as Mozart in the concerto.Many people think they don't like chamber music. This quintet is a perfect place to start learning and appreciating just why this stuff is really quite addictive.Finally, the recording is a good one, with all players pretty much on top of their game, and a clean and crisp sound throughout.

I must start off by mentioning the fact that I have no musical ability what so ever-I am just a music lover. I used to arrange my record albums, not by composer, but by key; key of G or major or minor..what ever. So, a concerto might be stacked next to a symphony if it were written in the same key, etc. I went to concerts and read record jackets and the like and tried to make friends with people who did know something about music or played an instrument. I never realized how many differing opinions there could be! I still disagree with those from whom I learned so much (especially those who play piano) when it comes to Arthur Rubenstein. I dislike some of his Chopin, for which he is famous, as I feel they are played too fast-but, disagree that he had a 'heavy foot' on the pedal in other pieces. Rubenstein plays Brahams to perfection or least to my untrained ear who has witnessed live the great Horowitz on two separate occasions. I mention this in my review so that you understand my point of view. Loving the Mozart Clarinet Concerto I decided to buy it after watching (the movie) Out of Africa in which the piece is played throughout. I got on line and read all the reviews on this piece and decided (because of what I mentioned above) to purchase this rendition. It is wonderful and I am listening to it as I write. You will not be disappointed. I learned from reading other peoples' reviews and am not disappointed. Hope this review helps especially the untrained ear to make a decision.

A delight. Mozart's composition for clarinet is one of my favorite of all clarinet music. It has a perfect balance of tone, depth, joy, beauty and life.

I am a music teacher and clarinetist. I have performed the concerto featured on the CD and purchased this recording for my fourteen-year-old nephew, who is now playing clarinet, guitar, you name it. My nephew told me he has listened to this CD over and over, and that he enjoys it. Mr. Stolzman, the featured clarinetist, performs beautifully. I highly recommend this recording.

I don't like this recording as well as the one with the English Chamber orchestra which also had the basoon concerto (arranged for clarinet) on it but it is always a pleasure to hear!

This is the quintessential Mozart for the clarinet. It is played by someone who is considered to be the best clarinetist in the world, Richard Stoltzman. The music is really lovely, and the Tokyo String Quartet do a wonderful job.

very good interpretation

fast service good price

I had not listened to this concerto since having a Jack Brymer LP many years ago. I found the pace and expression of Stoltzman very satisfying and would recommend this version.

This is an excellent 1991 recording of Mozart's Clarinet Concerto in A major K.622 and Clarinet Quintet in A major K.581.The performance is first rate, the recorded sound is excellent and the price is reasonable ($10.99 at the time I'm writing this).You won't go wrong with this one.

Sehr gute Qualität für die Interpretation.In einer ruhigen Stunde sich hinsetzen ein gutes Gls Wein und schon kann man herrlich träumen.

An absolutely fabulous recording; it's lively and bright, and true Mozart. It's, definitely, one of my faves!