Florent Heau, Quatuor Manfred - Mozart: Quintett avec clarinette; Quatuors (2008)

The quality of Mozart's contributions to the clarinet literature (in the clarinet quintet and concerto) has been equaled by few and perhaps surpassed by none. This is surprising given the relative obscurity and technical immaturity of the instrument in Mozart's time. This album of the Quatuor Manfred with clarinetist Florent Heau opens with the K. 581 Clarinet Quintet. Their approach to Mozart has a decidedly Romantic leaning, although it is never overdone or distasteful. Articulation is typically quite legato, particularly in the first movement where just a little separation and lift from the string might be welcome. Heau's sound is quite pleasing throughout, with a very cantabile, elegant tone and complete control over the instrument's dynamic range. The album continues with two transcriptions of the Violin Sonatas, K. 378, and K. 380 for clarinet, violin, viola, and cello. While historically the authorship of these transcriptions is unknown, it is abundantly clear that it was not Mozart himself. The division of the piano part amongst the string players is sometimes quite sloppy and awkward and results in several balance problems. The ensemble makes a valiant effort in its performance of these two transcriptions, but does not come close to the elegance and balanced harmony heard in the K. 581 Quintet.