Sublime Mozart

Legend, and Mozart’s own notes, have it that the composer fell in love with the clarinet at a young age. Yet, although he used the instrument in symphonies, vocal works and chamber music, Mozart wrote only one concerto for clarinet. It is a remarkably fine work. The Clarinet Concerto in A, K622 (written in 1791) is often found in top ten classical favourites lists throughout the world, and in a number of films – notably Out of Africa, in which the beautifully simple adagio was matched with images of the African plains before a storm. Clarinetist Paul Dean wisely plays the Concerto as simply and purely as Mozart wrote it. Even the sprightly third movement is a light, joyful dance – with its series of seemingly effortless runs, trills and arpeggios – rather than an overtly showy piece. With such a score, it’s important that the clarinet appears confident and reliable rather than showy (however skilled the soloist truly needs to be!). Dean satisfies on these points, with the Queensland Orchestra under Guillaume Tourniaire turning in a matching elegant performance. The second work on this CD, the Clarinet Quintet in A, K581 (written two years before the Concerto) reveals Mozart’s delight in the instrument as the strings form a backdrop for the clarinet and echo what it does. The clarinetist’s job is to produce a sound that is as smooth as that of the strings and to meld with them – and Dean, playing with the Grainger Quartet, is an equally fine partner. The second movement (larghetto) almost anticipates the Concerto’s famous adagio and puts the clarinet at the forefront of the players. However, the concluding Minuetto and then Theme with Variations allow Dean and the Grainger Quartet to show a range of moods, and their virtuosic talent. Recommended for all lovers of fine clarinet playing, and for an insight into Mozart’s fondness for that instrument. Rating: 4 stars Sublime Mozart Mozart: Clarinet Concerto in A, K622 Soloist: Paul Dean Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor: Guillaume Tourniaire Mozart: Clarinet Quintet in A, K581 (1789) Paul Dean, Grainger Quartet Out now through Melba Recordings