Mozart: Divertimento K. 563/K. 424

On this CD:

1. Divertimento for violin, viola & cello in E flat major, K. 563
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

2. Duo for violin & viola No. 2 in B flat major, K. 424
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Editorial Reviews
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Right from the opening chords one is in no doubt that this is going to be a powerful, rich-toned reading of what must surely be the longest, as well as one of the greatest, of Mozart's chamber works. And so it proves. No one should be misled by the title 'Divertimento' to imagine a slight, merely entertaining piece. It has the two menuettos common to the genre, and contrasting slow movements as well as opening and closing Allegros, but everything is on a grand scale (even when, as in the Leopold and Grumiaux performances, the second repeat in the opening Allegro is not taken). It has often caught the imagination of stars, ever since the Heifetz/Primrose/Feuermann recording of 1941.The Leopold Trio's playing is warm, strong, committed, yet also alive to the almost ghostly tonic-minor Variation in the central Andante, as well as to the Viennese waltz-like Trio in the second Menuetto, its charms occasionally veiled, delicately pointed. After the Divertimento, the Duo is in this performance no mere filler. It is one of the pair that Mozart was generous enough to compose (so anecdote has it) to enable the unwell Michael Haydn to keep a Salzburg court commission for a set of six, having only managed to write four himself. It is beautifully played here.The obvious comparison is with the famous recording made by the Grumiaux Trio in June 1967, which wears its years remarkably well. One advantage of the new Hyperion version is that, in the second Menuetto, the players precisely observe Mozart's instruction after the first Trio to repeat both halves of the Menuetto, the responses to be played piano – the Grumiaux players ignore this. The recording is of high quality, with neat balance and realistic dynamic contrasts, and there is an informative note in French and German as well as English. Peter Branscombe

Tracks:

Divertimento (String Trio) In E Flat, KV 563: Allegro
Divertimento (String Trio) In E Flat, KV 563: Adagio
Divertimento (String Trio) In E Flat, KV 563: Menuetto. Allegretto - Trio
Divertimento (String Trio) In E Flat, KV 563: Andante
Divertimento (String Trio) In E Flat, KV 563: Menuetto. Allegretto - Trio I - II
Allegro
Duo For Violin And Viola In G, KV 423: 1. Allegro
Duo For Violin And Viola In G, KV 423: Adagio
Duo For Violin And Viola In G, KV 423: Rondeau, Allegro
Duo For Violin And Viola In B Flat, KV 424: Adagio - Allegro
Duo For Violin And Viola In B Flat, KV 424: Andante cantabile
Duo For Violin And Viola In B Flat, KV 424: Tema con variazioni. Andante grazioso - Allegretto - Allegro

Tracks:

Sonate (Trio) In B Flat, KV 266: Adagio
Sonate (Trio) In B Flat, KV 266: Menuetto, Allegretto
Six Preludes And Fugues For Violin, Viola And Cello, KV 404a No. 1 In D Minor: Adagio
Six Preludes And Fugues For Violin, Viola And Cello, KV 404a No. 1 In D Minor: Fuga
Six Preludes And Fugues For Violin, Viola And Cello, KV 404a No.2 In G Minor: Adagio
Six Preludes And Fugues For Violin, Viola And Cello, KV 404a No.2 In G Minor: Fuga
Six Preludes And Fugues For Violin, Viola And Cello, KV 404a No. 3 In F: Adagio
Six Preludes And Fugues For Violin, Viola And Cello, KV 404a No. 3 In F: Fuga
Six Preludes And Fugues For Violin, Viola And Cello, KV 404a No. 4 In F: Adagio
Six Preludes And Fugues For Violin, Viola And Cello, KV 404a No. 4 In F: Fuga
Six Preludes And Fugues For Violin, Viola And Cello, KV 404a No. 5 In E Flat: Largo
Six Preludes And Fugues For Violin, Viola And Cello, KV 404a No. 5 In E Flat: Fuga
Six Preludes And Fugues For Violin, Viola And Cello, KV 404a No. 6 In F Minor: Adagio
Six Preludes And Fugues For Violin, Viola And Cello, KV 404a No. 6 In F Minor: Fuga

Customer Reviews:

forgotten masterpieces.......2007-02-22

I was a little surprised to see so many reviews for this CD, most of them are full of praise. As I, too, am full of praise I can be brief.
First I must confess that, after listening to Mozart for well over 40 years, it is only very recently that I came accross any of the works on these CDs. I heard the last movement of the string trio and went straight to the computer to get it. As last year was Mozart's 250th birthday and we were deluged with his music this is incredble.
The string trio K563 is a late work by a mature Mozart, it is a very fine work, beautifully played by Arthur Grumiaux and friends. The two duos for violin and viola is another great find for me, more superb Mozart. These do not have a bass line, the composition is so good that they don't need one, indeed I was well into them before I noticed that there wasn't one. In all of these works all the instruments are equals, there is lots of work for the viola and the cello too has an important role. The six preludes and fugues again were new to me, but I am getting to know them and love them.
This is another excellent recording of Mozart's chamber music from Philips Duo, and well worth full marks. I recommend it highly, especially for Mozart lovers. If you are not well versed in Mozart I might suggest that you start with his concertos and instrumental works before you buy these Cds.

Eclipsed.......2006-08-04

For me the point here is the K.563, and while I have loved Grumiaux's playing for decades, and this is a nice older [1967] recording, it is completely blown away by the recent recording by Yo Yo Ma, Gidon Kremer, and Kim Kashkashian. On the other hand, the latter recording is defective in that the technicians managed to make the violin sound shrill and harsh -- the usual suspects are of course recording engineers who've spent much of their careers blowing out their high-end hearing listening to and working with "rock and roll" recordings, and thus needing to boost the highs in order to hear them; at the same time, it was miked much too closely. At least the Philips recordings were done in an era when the engineers were older folks who had spent their careers listening to and recording music. My choice: the Ma / Kremer / Kashkashian CD, but with my treble control cranked down....

A style made for Mozart.......2005-08-26

Here is yet another great Mozart Philips recording featuring the elegant playing of Arthur Grumiaux. The String Quintets and Violin Concertos are other ones. When you hear Grumiaux play Mozart like this, you think, "Now, how can one top that?" Such a dignified, galante and poised style as his is perfect for Mozart's music. These two CD's provide a cournacopia of Mozart delights played magnificantly by Arthur Grumiaux and friends: three string duos, the one and only great string trio (K.563) and a rather unique collection of preludes and fugues mostly transcribed from Bach's "Well Tempered Clavier" for violin and viola. Each work also has an interesting story behind it as does most of Mozart's music.

Two of the late duos Mozart wrote were "ghost written" for a terribly ill Michael Haydn - a comtemporary and great friend of Mozart. As history goes, Haydn had promised a series of six duos for the impatient Archbishop Colloredo and was two short. Mozart's continual visiting the ill Haydn and lightening-fast composing of these two duos reveal the compassionate, warm-hearted side of Mozart. In each you can hear both Haydn and Mozart by the various musical mannerisms, but they eventually passed off as Haydn's works just fine.

The trio is a late work (K563/626) that was written in 1788 - the year that Mozart's popularity with the fickle Vieneese dwindled and life strarted to fall apart. But, one would never know this from the skill and stature of the great work. Having a full six movements lasting a full 45 minutes, the string trio is a work of grand scale and rich diversity that does not once become bogged down, repetitive or dull. The equality of the part writing is especially notable as much as is the complex sonorities, intelligent design and lyrical charm. It ranks right up there with his quintets as Mozart's most accomplished chamber works.

Perhaps the surprize delight of the set are the six preludes and fugues, most of which are transcribed from JS Bach (and one each from JC Bach and Mozart). It is said that Mozart's wife Constanze adored the fugues of Bach and Handel upon first hearing them in 1782 and supposedly begged her husband to compose such music - which apparently he obliged with these works here. Of course they sound like Bach as they mostly are Bach. The Grumiaux Trio makes them sound glorious from their rich and nuanced playing and the fine Philip's sound quality. Overall, a rich, rewarding listening experience.

If you are new to Mozart's chamber music, these Philips DUO sets are excellent CD's to collect. The most recommended Philips Mozart CD's are: The Great Piano Concertos Vol I, II, the Violin Concertos, Great Quintets Vol. I and II, the Piano Trios and String Trios/Duos here. Then, the Great Seranades, the six 'Haydn' String Quartets, the two Piano Quartets and Great Violin Sonatas Vol. I, II are also fine music.

A nice pair.......2005-06-22

Not much to add here: 1st CD: The string trio K. 563 is a peer to Mozart's greatest quartets and quintets. Period! The string duos K. 423 and 424 are simple in sound, but rich in texture; the simplicity of means calls for advanced composing and Mozart doesn't dissappoint. 2nd CD: The trio K. 266 is less interesting, but the six preludes and fugues are really great, fusions of Mozart and Bach. All the playing is excellent.

Nobody like Artur Grumiaux for Mozart violin music!.......2004-07-19

Joseph Szigetti gave a towering surprise with the ten violin sonatas , but Grumiaux was a real fighter for this Mozart music so plenty of lyricism.

The vibrato and musicality given for Grumiaux is out of this world. His playing is kindness enjoyable extremely cantabile and above all deeply idomatic , loaded with majesty and charm and intimacy.

This belgium violinist was a pupil of Georges Enesco . Pleas acquire also the trio Kv 563 . I've never a recording that rivalizes with that.
Certainly Grumiaux was a champion master in this field!

If you take a look around about the most remarkable string Trios, you will find out that these are not so many. Before that immense Mozart's Divertimento in E flat Kv. 563, written in 1788, we just find a dozen of Trios by Bocherini and after, Beethoven Piano Trios, Schubert, Tchaikovsky, Brahms. Dvorak Dohnayi, Webern, Roussel and Schoenberg. In this sense and taking into account the brief set it's obvious to state we are in presence of the most significant, pyramidal and complete string Trio ever written, not only because it was a true milestone in what concerns to structural complexity, lyrical density and enjoyable mood.

Surprisingly, it does not use to appear among the most extraordinary musical achievements ion the enormous musical legacy of the beloved son of Salzburg. But measure by measure, I wouldn't hesitate just for a second in what respects to include it among the ten best works of Mozart throughout his opulent and extraordinary production.

And particularly this version possesses that touch of genius and dazzling luminosity, filled of kind spirits, cheerful energy and rhythmic vitality.

This masterpiece by itself justifies plainly your inversion in this double CD, but additionally you will find out another treasures of highest level as both Duos for violin and viola, The Kv. 266 The six preludes and fugues for violin, viola and cello written as a profound and heartfelt homage in Bach's memory are astonishing and notable compositions by themselves.

So I think not to sin of exaggerate when I recommend you this extraordinary set, one of my most beloved albums of my personal collection and wishing for you to have. You will agree with me once you have acquired and enjoyed over and over.

It's almost useless to talk about the purity of spirit of Artur Grumiaux, one of the most distinguished, refined and honest violinists ever born as well as one of the maxim exponents of Mozart's repertoire for violin, and I don't think to sound exaggerate to affirm this record was one of his highest artistic peaks as musician.

Average customer rating:

Superb Reading of One of Mozart's Greatest Chamber Works

Mozart: Divertimento K. 563/K. 424
Leopold String Trio
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005NUPE
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Customer Reviews:

Superb Reading of One of Mozart's Greatest Chamber Works.......2003-05-15

I well remember the first time I encountered this towering work. Twenty-five years ago I was at the Aspen Music Festival and noted, only in passing, that some presumably trivial piece by Mozart was on the program; what else would one expect from the name 'Divertimento'? I was already a seasoned concertgoer and record collector and didn't ever recall having even heard of the piece. But the players - Itzhak Perlman, violin, Pinchas Zukerman, viola (the first time I ever heard him play viola), and Ron Leonard, cello (at that time the principal cello of the Los Angeles Philharmonic) intrigued me. They came on stage, did a little preliminary tuning and then launched into one of the most powerful performances of one of the most powerful chamber pieces I'd ever heard. This is no mere bagatelle, this piece; it is a major late Mozartean statement. I've collected recordings of it since and the two that are the most memorable for me are the Heifetz/Primrose/Feuermann recording from the early 1940s (still available from amazon.com) and the one from the Grumiaux Trio, from the late 1960s (also available here in a twofer).

This recording by the youngish Leopold String Trio belongs in that august company. It's a powerful performance, includes almost all the repeats that Mozart's score calls for (both halves of the second minuet, for instance), is in balanced and spacious modern sound. There are plenty of soloistic spots in the piece and violinist Marianne Thorsen, violist Scott Dickinson, and cellist Kate Gould play them impressively. But more important is that they play with a tight unanimity that is rhythmically flexible, with wide-ranging dynamics from the whispered opening to the loudest fortissimi with unfailingly beautiful tone (even in the sforzati) and with spot on intonation.

For lagniappe the second Duo in B flat for Violin and Viola, K. 424, is offered.

Customer Reviews:

superlative chamber music.......2003-08-25

This is by far one of the greatest chamber music recordings out there. If you can put up with the poor recording quality, it can become for you one of the most rewarding listening experiences, especially the Mozart.

Tracks:

Divertimento (String Trio) In E Flat, KV 563: 1. Allegro
Divertimento (String Trio) In E Flat, KV 563: 2. Adagio
Divertimento (String Trio) In E Flat, KV 563: 3. Menuetto (Allegretto) - Trio
Divertimento (String Trio) In E Flat, KV 563: 4. Andante
Divertimento (String Trio) In E Flat, KV 563: 5. Menuetto (Allegretto) - Trio I - II
Divertimento (String Trio) In E Flat, KV 563: 6. Allegro
Duo For Violin And Viola In G, KV 423: 1. Allegro
Duo For Violin And Viola In G, KV 423: 2. Adagio
Duo For Violin And Viola In G, KV 423: 3. Rondeau (Allegro)
Duo For Violin And Viola In B Flat, KV 424: 1. Adagio - Allegro
Duo For Violin And Viola In B Flat, KV 424: 2. Andante cantabile
Duo For Violin And Viola In B Flat, KV 424: 3. Tema con variazioni (Andante grazioso - Allegretto - Allegro)

Tracks:

Sonata (Trio) In B Flat, KV 266, 271F: 1. Adagio
Sonata (Trio) In B Flat, KV 266, 271F: 2: Menuetto (Allegretto)
Six Preludes And Fugues For Violin, Viola And Cello, KV 404A: No. 1 In D Minor - 1. Adagio
Six Preludes And Fugues For Violin, Viola And Cello, KV 404A: No. 1 In D Minor - 2. Fuga
Six Preludes And Fugues For Violin, Viola And Cello, KV 404A: No.2 In G Minor - 1. Adagio
Six Preludes And Fugues For Violin, Viola And Cello, KV 404A: No.2 In G Minor - 2. Fuga
Six Preludes And Fugues For Violin, Viola And Cello, KV 404A: No. 3 In F - 1. Adagio
Six Preludes And Fugues For Violin, Viola And Cello, KV 404A: No. 3 In F - 2. Fuga
Six Preludes And Fugues For Violin, Viola And Cello, KV 404A: No. 4 In F - 1. Adagio
Six Preludes And Fugues For Violin, Viola And Cello, KV 404A: No. 4 In F - 2. Fuga
Six Preludes And Fugues For Violin, Viola And Cello, KV 404A: No. 5 In E Flat - 1. Largo
Six Preludes And Fugues For Violin, Viola And Cello, KV 404A: No. 5 In E Flat - 2. Fuga
Six Preludes And Fugues For Violin, Viola And Cello, KV 404A: No. 6 In F Minor - 1. Adagio
Six Preludes And Fugues For Violin, Viola And Cello, KV 404A: No. 6 In F Minor - 2. Fuga

Customer Reviews:

Quality Music.......2001-07-26

This is some of the finest chamber music you can buy. If you have a surround sound system put it on the Concert Hall setting and enjoy the sound. Mozart has created masterpiece after masterpiece and the performers bring them to us with great passion. Mozart's melodies are the best and they come through beautifully in this recording.

Hard-line masterpieces and lesser-known gems.......1999-09-18

What more could you ask for on 2 CDs! Grumiaux was a titan; I never tire of his playing.

Heifetz,Jascha: Chamber Music Collection I

Average customer rating:

Heifetz,Jascha: Chamber Music Collection I

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003FIM
Release Date: 1995-10-10

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