Dieter Klöcker, Consortium Classicum - Cartellieri: Clarinet Quartets, Vol. 2 (2002)

With parents as professional opera singers, it is not surprising that Antonio Cartellieri (1772-1807) learned music at an early age. By his Latvian born mother’s account, she would sing to him for hours when he was young. With his talent nurtured at his mother’s knee, he took his first musical position at 18, becoming the court composer for Count Oborsky of Poland in 1791.
The 2nd volume of his clarinet quartets contains two of those chamber works, as well as a 10 instrument divertimento that may be the most satisfying composition on the recording. Listed as No.3, the B Flat Quartet opens with a triple metered ‘Allegro’ that has none of the typical dancing lilt usually linked with that time signature. Although the solo wind immediately grabs focus with a questioning theme before urgency in the strings sweeps the first movement away, the violin takes nearly as much of the melodic responsibility as the clarinet.
Rolling triplets from the violin powers the poignant ‘Larghetto con expressione’ as the clarinet supplies the depth of feeling. With a frisky invitation to come out and play, the solo wind begins the lighthearted ‘Menuetto’. And the cello responds, setting off this lively 2nd movement until the sedate trio with an appealing hesitating rhythm momentarily calms things down. Also in triple meter, a jaunty ‘Rondo’ features plenty of sparkling passage work from the clarinet before the quartet comes to a rousing close.
Written in D major, the unnumbered quartet opens with a funereal ‘Andante’. After the minor keyed intro, the compound 1st movement shifts into a brisk ‘Allegro’. At first, both upper voices compete for attention before they share the spotlight and alternate solos, and drift to a surprisingly peaceful end. The graceful ’Andante’ that follows is a showcase for the string trio with the solo wind often reduced to accompanimental support. Beneath the bravura ornamentation of the violin, the lower strings offer a compelling earnestness.
The soprano string starts the minor keyed ‘Menuetto’ with a catchy tune with a striking gypsy tinge, and no clarinet. Over buzzing accompaniment in the bass line, the single wind joins for the contrasting trio as the tone brightens and the key changes to major. Unexpected rhythmic accents characterize the lively ’Allegro vivace’, which accelerates toward the end and brings the work to a rollicking close.
By increasing the ensemble to 10 members for the Divertimento in E Flat, Consortium Classicum approaches the size normally associated with a chamber orchestra. In addition, the writing employs wind instruments as soloists while relegating the strings to orchestral support. After a formal start to the compound first movement with the regal ‘Adagio maestoso’, paired horns announce the transition to the swashbuckling ‘Allegro’. Embedded within the symphonic sweep, the horn calls mark the spirited sections as they roll by, brief wind duets, quick solo turns and recombined trios, all unfold at a rapid pace.
Labeled ‘Canto chorale’, the multi-part 2nd movement begins with a reverential ‘Lento’ before sliding effortlessly into the ensuing passage, a sprightly ‘Menuetto’. The first of 2 trios is a dainty interlude led by a hesitant oboe while the 2nd is an outstanding duet for the horns, presented without any other instruments. Gentle strings and flute introduce the charming theme for the ‘Andante con variazioni’ with the soprano wind taking the 1st episode over softly plucked accompaniment. A restless clarinet follows while the paired horns hold forth with only the bassoon for support. After the oboe soars over bustling strings, a stirring unison variation brings all the voices together for the final bars.
A frantic ‘Rondo’ concludes the composition, a frenzied country dance that spins out of control with superb work in the lower strings. Of particular note is the relentless double bass who drives the tempo, and an amusing solo turn from the bassoon. And as an unforeseen afterthought, the coda is a sly wink led by the paired horns.
The 2002 recording by MDG is excellent, crisp and well detailed. Drawn from various European orchestras, the soloists that comprise Consortium Classicum are uniformly good. Especially outstanding are the acclaimed clarinetist Dieter Klocker, and the first violinist Andreas Krecher. Antonio Cartelieri is undergoing a well-deserved reappraisal, and this splendid disc should only further his reputation.