Florent Héau, Quatuor Manfred - Mozart: Quintette avec clarinette K581 & Quatuors K380 & K378 (2007)

Tracklist

01. Quintet for Clarinet, 2 Violins, Viola and Cello in A Major, K581: I. Allegro
02. Quintet for Clarinet, 2 Violins, Viola and Cello in A Major, K581: II. Larghetto
03. Quintet for Clarinet, 2 Violins, Viola and Cello in A Major, K581: III. Menuetto
04. Quintet for Clarinet, 2 Violins, Viola and Cello in A Major, K581: IV. Allegretto con variazioni
05. Quartet for Clarinet, Violin, Viola and Cello in E-Flat Major, K380/374F: I. Allegro
06. Quartet for Clarinet, Violin, Viola and Cello in E-Flat Major, K380/374F: II. Andante con moto
07. Quartet for Clarinet, Violin, Viola and Cello in E-Flat Major, K380/374F: III. Rondo. Allegro
08. Quartet for Clarinet, Violin, Viola and Cello in B-Flat Major, K378/317B: I. Allegro moderato
09. Quartet for Clarinet, Violin, Viola and Cello in B-Flat Major, K378/317B: II. Andantino sostenuto e cantabile
10. Quartet for Clarinet, Violin, Viola and Cello in B-Flat Major, K378/317B: III. Rondo. Allegro



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.

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