Quintet For Clarinet And String Quartet In A Major, K.581: 1. Allegro
Quintet For Clarinet And String Quartet In A Major, K.581: 2. Larghetto
Quintet For Clarinet And String Quartet In A Major, K.581: 3. Menuetto--Trio I-II
Quintet For Clarinet And String Quartet In A Major, K.581: 4. Allegretto con Variazioni I-IV - Adagio - Allegro
Quintet For Clarinet And String Quartet In B Minor, Op.115: 1. Allegro
Quintet For Clarinet And String Quartet In B Minor, Op.115: 2. Adagio
Quintet For Clarinet And String Quartet In B Minor, Op.115: 3. Andantino - Presto non assai, ma con sentimento
Quintet For Clarinet And String Quartet In B Minor, Op.115: 4. Con moto - Un poco meno mosso
The Emersons and clarinetist Shifrin emphasize smoothness of line and a creamy blend of sound in this polished 1997 performance of the Mozart quintet. Tempos are ideal, giving Mozart's luxurious, long-breathed yet fragile ... more »melodies plenty of time to unfold without sacrificing animation or expressive point. Understatement rules in this interpretation, which is all the more intense and poignant because of it. The coupling is a rich, ripe, romantic account of the Brahms quintet, conveyed with passionate address and in a manner more conversational and polyphonic, less homogeneous in sound, than most. It is a dramatic and eventful reading, but one in which lyricism and beauty of tone are never sacrificed. --Ted Libbey« less
The Emersons and clarinetist Shifrin emphasize smoothness of line and a creamy blend of sound in this polished 1997 performance of the Mozart quintet. Tempos are ideal, giving Mozart's luxurious, long-breathed yet fragile melodies plenty of time to unfold without sacrificing animation or expressive point. Understatement rules in this interpretation, which is all the more intense and poignant because of it. The coupling is a rich, ripe, romantic account of the Brahms quintet, conveyed with passionate address and in a manner more conversational and polyphonic, less homogeneous in sound, than most. It is a dramatic and eventful reading, but one in which lyricism and beauty of tone are never sacrificed. --Ted Libbey
"This CD is one of the better recordings of the Mozart and Brahms Clarinet Quintets that I have heard. Shifrin is one of the most amazing clarinetists of our time today. He combines clarity of sound with true artistic ability. His interpretation of the Brahms is second to none. To have this great of a performer combined with the Emerson String Quartet is the making of an excellent recording that I highly recommend. You will treasure this recording for years to come!"
Simply Spectacular
Brandon Hood | 02/28/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Emerson and Shifrin make these two already perfect pieces even more spectacular than they already are. Emerson's sound is so rich and lush which lends a spectacular quality to quintets. They really get the ideal Mozartian and Bramsian qualities across in their playing. The music is subtle in it's qualities and the quintet emphasizes this. David Shifrin is flawless in his playing. He gets a rich dark sound and interprets the music perfectly. He and Emerson are a great match....they understood these two pieces and brought them out in their performance. It is just excellent all around!"
Outstanding ensemble performance.
Raymond L. Clithero | Longview, WA USA | 01/18/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Shifrin and the Emerson Quartet demonstrated an outstanding artistic interpretation of both the Mozart and Brahms quintets. The ensemble performance is unified and expressive. The technical quality of the recording also is excellent. After hearing the CD, I purchased a copy for each member of my own quintet. Highest compliments are due to these players."
This is the real deal!
Peter Chordas | Portland, OR USA | 02/08/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It doesn't get better than this. Expressive and lyrical, the Emerson quartet and David Shifrin create chemistry that is magic to the ears. The musicians are superb, the music engaging, and Mozart was a genius! I agree with the others and it bears repeating, this CD is very worth having."