lampson@sunMq.TELLABS.COM (Dave Lampson) (06/21/91)
Classical CD Reviews #2
by
L. David Lampson
Copyright 1990
Franz Lachner (1803-1890)
Septet in E flat Major (completed by Franz Beyer)
Robert Fuchs (1847-1927)
Clarinet Quintet Op. 102
Ensemble Villa Musica
1989 Marco Polo 8.223282 DDD 1:15:45
Lachner's septet for flute, clarinet, horn, violin, viola, cello and double
bass is an early five-movement work (1824) that is a contemporary of
Schubert's octet. This work is highly characteristic of the compositional
atmosphere of Vienna of the time. The balance between the winds and strings
and the structure of the movements has more in common with the Classical than
with the Romantic.
The more recent quintet for clarinet and string quartet by Fuchs was composed
in 1914 and might at first glance seem an odd coupling with the Lachner
septet. But the strong influence of Schubert's music on Fuchs' compositional
style shows through clearly in this piece, and fits in stylistically with the
Lachner septet. Fuchs was most influential as a friend and supporter of
Brahms, and as a mentor to Mahler, Sibelius and Zemlinsky.
These superior performances, recorded in Heidelberg in September and October
of 1988, were captured beautifully by the engineers. This is something I have
come to expect from this relatively obscure label. The Ensemble Villa Musica
is composed of some of Europe's finest ensemble players, and their experience
together shows through in the nearly seamless blending of the instrumental
parts. This is not to say that the sound comes off as being muddy, quite the
contrary. The sound is exceptionally clear and each instrument is distinctly
heard, if the listener is so inclined. But the feel for the music that the
these performers bring to the ensemble makes for an extremely musical blending
and brings out the best in these relatively obscure compositions. Highly
recommended, especially to lovers of late Classical/early Romantic period
music for winds.
Ratings - Performance: 10 Sound Quality: 10