| Label: ARS Productions
Catalog: ARS38091
Format: SACD / CD Hybrid Island: (Jane Gower, bassoon - Madeleine Easton, Alice Evans, violin - Galina Zinchenko, viola - Catherine Jones, cello)Anton Reicha (1770-1836)
Variations for solo bassoon, accompanied by 2 violins, viola and cello / Grand Quintet for basson, 2 violins, viola and cello If Joseph Haydn is often named the father of the string quartet, then Anton Reicha may certainly be hailed as the founder of the wind quintet. Alas, as a genre the wind quintet does not arouse the same lofty sentiments of awe and profound respect as does the noble string quartet, and is but seldom heard. Matters were altogether different in the Paris of the early eighteenth century. Between 1811 and 1820, Reicha composed and published no fewer than 24 wind quintets, in 1815 a special concert series was launched to perform Reicha's complete quintet oeuvre as it appeared.
These concerts produced a sensation amongst the Parisian public, which clamoured for admission to hear each next installment.
The Grand Quintet for bassoon and string quartet dates from Paris in 1826. It is indeed on a grand scale, being one of the longest pieces in this genre (c. 40 min.). Despite its length the quintet never comes across as a laborious exercise. It is a friendly and open piece of generous gestures, lyricism, playfulness and surprise.
"Island" is a unique ensemble of European-based Australian women. In 1999 Jane Gower founded the quartet in order to explore the unjustly neglected nineteenth century repertoire for bassoon, violin, viola and cello on the instruments of the era. As leading specialists "island"s members perform, also as soloists, throughout Europe, the USA and Australia, with the finest early music orchestras and ensembles.  Price: $28.98 |
