Album insights
In the present CD, three composers from the late 18th to early 19th centuries are featured. Most listeners are likely familiar with just one of them, Rodolphe Kreutzer, known indirectly through Beethoven's dedication in the Violin Sonata Op. 47 in A major and the 42 études ou caprices. Referred to as the "Kreutzer of clarinetists," Crusell's works, though initially designed for pedagogical purposes, never quite made it to the concert stage. Reicha, once a prolific composer, now resides in musical obscurity, with his theoretical legacy overshadowing his compositions.
The fusion of a solo wind instrument with a string trio or quartet has historically proven successful. While the string quartet evolved as a medium for deep artistic expression by the late 18th century, the addition of flute, oboe, or clarinet often recalled a more entertaining, old-fashioned Serenade or Divertimento style. Crusell's Oboe Quintet Op. 9, labeled officially as a ‘Divertimento,’ exemplifies this nostalgic approach.
Bernhard Henrik Crusell, born into a Finnish bookbinding family in 1775, displayed inherent musical talent at a young age. Trained by prominent figures across Europe, including Franz Tausch in Berlin, Crusell established himself as a notable clarinetist and composer. His work reflects a departure from traditional structures, incorporating innovative soloistic treatments for the oboe.
Rodolphe Kreutzer, a renowned violinist and composer born in Versailles in 1766, produced numerous works across various genres. His "Grand Quintet in C major," composed between 1790 and 1799, showcases surprising elements in its composition, akin to Marcel Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto in G minor. The emotional depth and melodic elegance within the piece attest to Kreutzer's prowess.
Antoine Reicha, a Prague-born composer and esteemed music educator, created the quintessentially conventional F major Quintet Op. 107 during his tenure in Paris. Reicha's emphasis on craftsmanship, evident in his disciplined approach to composition, influenced a generation of renowned musicians. His innovations in chamber music resonate in this quintet, revealing an expertly crafted exploration of structure and melody.