Mozart: Chamber music for strings - CD

ENGLISH

<br><br>Mozart’s genius can often be perceived most clearly in the technical experimentation and expressive breadth of his chamber works; this 12-disc box set of his complete string duos, trios, quartets and quintets places this genius and skill in the spotlight, offering a comprehensive overview of some of the Classical era’s greatest masterpieces.<br /> <br /> In these works – which span Mozart’s career, from the K80 quartet that he composed as a 14-year-old prodigy to the K590 quartet, which dates from the year before his death – listeners will find a wealth of inventive techniques: variations, canonic and fugal writing, operatic melodies, graceful slow movements, playful changes in character and moments of musical drama are all present. Highlights include the six ‘Haydn’ quartets, which Mozart dedicated to his mentor, pieces of refined beauty and sophisticated technical skill. In particular, the progressive musical language of the famous ‘Dissonance’ quartet (K465) seems to foreshadow Romanticism, while the evocative ‘Hunt’ quartet (K458) is one of Mozart’s most popular. The achievements of the String Quartets are extended in the six String Quintets, while the expansive String Trio Divertimento and comparatively rare String Duos are also included.<br /> <br /> Featuring superb performances by acclaimed ensembles and instrumentalists, this collection is a fantastic way to delve deeper into Mozart’s works for string ensemble. With over 12 hours of music, this box set will be a worthwhile addition to any music lover’s library.<br /> <br /> Other information:<br /> - Recordings made in 1989–2006.<br /> - Includes booklet notes about each work.<br /> - For the first time complete in one set: the works for string ensemble by Mozart.<br /> - Ranging from the duos for violin and viola to the magnificent string quintets, these works show Mozart’s genius in ensemble writing, finding the perfect balance of harmony and counterpoint, while expressing the whole gamut of human emotions, from debonair gaiety to dark despair.<br /> - Excellent performances by leading string ensembles, such as the Chilingirian Quartet, the Orlando Quartet and the Franz Schubert Quartet of Vienna.