Sami Junnonen, Chamber Domaine - Mozart: Flute Quartets (2018) CD-Rip

Despite his dislike of the flute, which he mentioned in a letter to his father, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed two flute concertos, a concerto for flute and harp, and most relevant to this 2018 release on Resonus, four flute quartets which have become favorites in the field of light chamber music. This recording by flutist Sami Junnonen and Chamber Domaine demonstrates their charm and elegance, and though these aren't especially deep works, the aesthetic behind them most certainly is. In their delicate lines and airy accompaniment, these pieces shine with a cheerful radiance that is never less than appealing and sometimes quite moving for their beauty and grace. Because most of the movements are in bright major keys, listeners may try the second movement of the Flute Quartet No. 1, K285, a brief Adagio in B minor with a pizzicato accompaniment that may seem utterly simple but for the affecting filigree in the flute part, suggestive of the Empfindsamer stil. Junnonen is joined by violinist Thomas Kemp, violist Robert Smissen, and cellist Richard Harwood, and the ensemble strikes a fine balance that reveals clear details in the parts, while maintaining a blended tone that fits the homophonic textures of these early works.