Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART
(1756-91)
Quintet for Piano and Wind in E flat,
K452.
Louis SPOHR (1784-1859)
Quintet for Piano and Wind in C minor, Op.
52.
Hexagon
Ensemble.
AC Classics AC99067
[DDD] [54'00]
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This is a strikingly imaginative coupling, a positive breath of fresh air
and a welcome alternative to the more usual linking of the Mozart with the
Beethoven Quintet for Piano and Wind in E flat, Op. 16. The Hexagon Ensemble's
sense of discovery shines through their music making so that the Mozart sounds
every bit as newly-minted as the Spohr. They have a collective chamber music
affinity that gives their interchanges an infectious sense of spontaneity
and enjoyment. There is stiff competition in K452, however: Mozart was especially
satisfied with this piece, and its deserved popularity has guaranteed a fairly
extensive discography. The Haxagon Ensemble's pianist's habit of not always
placing his chords exactly together coupled with a piano tone which requires
a little more depth means that, if this piece is the primary concern, other
alternatives may need to be considered. Gieseking, playing with the all-star
Philharmonia Wind Ensemble, remains a clear first recommendation in this
piece (Testament SBT1091), with stiff competition from Perahia (on Sony SMK42099:
this repertoire suits him well).
Spohr's music deserves a higher place in the collective rankings. The Hexagon
Ensemble clearly believes this, and its persuasiveness knows no bounds. In
his Op. 52 Quintet (in which he replaces the oboe with the flute), Spohr
reveals all his charm and wit. This piece was championed by none other than
Moscheles. Its expertly crafted form and spontaneous joy clearly show a
formidable joie de vivre. There is a seemingly endless flow of melody
in the first movement, the ending inspiring Paolo Giacometti, the pianist,
to sparking scales. The Menuetto is lively (again, the pianist excels in
his cheeky articulation) and the sunny, joyous finale rounds the piece off
perfectly. The Gaudier Ensemble's recording of the Nonet, Op. 31 and Octet,
Op. 32 on Hyperion CDA666999 would make a perfect next port of call.
If you enjoy the Spohr a fraction as much as I did, you will not have wasted
your money.
Reviewer
Colin Clarke
Performance
Recording
