SCO - Mozart Divertimento & Oboe Quartet - Audiophile Audition
02 January 2012
Audiophile AuditionSteven Ritter
K. 205, 247, 287, and 334 belong to a series of chamber works
designated for small string ensemble (single player) and two horns. The
one recorded here in particular is the best of the lot, and the last
time Mozart would use the form until the magnificent Divertimento for String Trio, K. 563,
composed in 1788. The K. 334 is a rich example of the composer's
inventiveness and part writing, and his melodic material is
exceptionally notable in what he regarded as a "Cassation", or piece of
music meant for the street. This one most likely remained in the parlor.
Alexander Janiczek plays the violin beautifully, and the Scots band
backs him up all the way.
I was originally just as enthusiastic about this performance of the
seminal Oboe Quartet, surely one of Mozart's most engrossing and
engaging works, and oboist Robin Williams does have a lovely sound. The
piece hails from the time of the composer's opera
Idomeneo, and
was written for Mannheim oboist Friedrich Ramm in 1878. Ramm was noted
for his exceptional tone, and Mozart writes a piece that really has no
rival for expressive possibilities in the entire literature.
Related Links
Alexander Janiczek
Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Mozart: Divertimento K.334 & Oboe Quartet K.370
