Album insights
Mozart's enthusiasm for the clarinet was prominent since his early years but found true fulfillment in the last seven years of his life, thanks to the stimulating friendship with the talented clarinetist Anton Stadler. Stadler, born in 1753, arrived in Vienna in 1773, where he met Mozart and both became active Freemasons. Stadler's mastery of the clarinet and basset horn was highly appreciated by his contemporaries. He expanded the clarinet's range downwards, leading to technical advancements reflected in Mozart's compositions.
Stadler, alongside his work with Mozart, had notable parts in instrumental and vocal music, showcasing his exceptional skill on the clarinet. By extending the clarinet's range with the help of Theodor Lotz, Stadler enhanced its rich, expressive sound. Notably, he likely influenced Mozart in composing the clarinet concerto and quintet for the unique basset clarinet. Both works were not published until the early 19th century, and suspicions arose in the late 1940s about the authenticity of the concert part in use.
In 1967, compelling evidence of alterations to Mozart's original manuscript came to light, indicating discrepancies in the editions used for performances. Subsequently, this recording presents the first rendition of both the quintet and concerto with a basset clarinet. The performance pays homage to the instrument's historical alterations, emphasizing the seamless integration and nuanced differences in Mozart's compositions, reflecting the evolving style shaped by the clarinet's technical developments.