The clarinet quintets of Mozart and Brahms are frequently combined in recordings and performances because of the convenience of instrumentation and the quality of the music. However, it can lead to problems of interpretation because of the ages of the music. The temptation tends to be to let go emotionally in the Mozart, distorting its dimensions and refinement. In this recording, the string members of the Scharoun Ensemble Berlin restrain themselves well, retaining the Classical gracefulness and elegance that are hallmarks of Mozart. In the Brahms, they are a little more expressive, as would be hoped, although there is room for even more. Since all are musicians in the Berlin Philharmonic, their ensemble work is excellent and precise, if a bit wiry sounding at times. The real highlight of the recording, however, is the playing of clarinetist Karl-Heinz Steffens. He has a wonderfully smooth tone, no matter what register or articulation the music calls for. The string quartet lets him take center stage in the Larghetto of the Mozart. In the Brahms, all of them are more equal participants, but it's still Steffens' playing that holds it all together. This recording is worth hearing for that, let alone any other commendable qualities it may have.

Rovi