Franz Schmidt's "Schmidt: Clarinet Quintet in B-Flat Major / Romance" is a captivating journey through the world of chamber music, released in 1993 under the Marco-Polo label. This album showcases Schmidt's mastery of the genre, with a collection of eight tracks that span a total of 50 minutes.
The centerpiece of the album is the Quintet No. 2 in B-Flat Major, a four-movement work that demonstrates Schmidt's ability to blend the clarinet with a string quartet. The first movement, "Andante tranquillo," sets a serene tone, while the second, "Lento," is a slow and reflective piece. The third movement, "Allegro ma non troppo," is a lively and energetic dance, and the final movement, "Allegro vivace," is a fast and exciting conclusion.
In addition to the quintet, the album also features three "Kleine Phantasiestücke nach ungarischen Nationalmelodien," which are short, imaginative pieces based on Hungarian national melodies. These pieces are playful and whimsical, providing a nice contrast to the more serious quintet.
The album also includes two solo pieces for clarinet: "Romance" and "Toccata." The "Romance" is a beautiful and lyrical piece, while the "Toccata" is a virtuosic display of technique.
The album features performances by a number of talented musicians, including Aladár Jánoška, František Török, and Ján Slávik. Their playing is expressive and nuanced, bringing out the full range of emotions in Schmidt's music.
Overall, "Schmidt: Clarinet Quintet in B-Flat Major / Romance" is a wonderful introduction to the music of Franz Schmidt. It's a great choice for anyone who enjoys chamber music, and it's sure to be a favorite for years to come.
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