Mozart: Divertimento & Duo

Both works presented on this disc conform readily to an early aesthetic theory of the term 'Divertimenti', that music is a language of the emotions. In K563 Mozart adopts the light, engaging divertimento manner as a starting point for all six movements, but in each case introduces surprise elements that have the effect of enriching and deepening the music. This is not a 'light' work by any means, but an intensely passionate 'tour de force'.

K424 for violin and viola is both lively and lyrical, and the wide variety of melodic ideas, elaborate contrapuntal exchanges and ambitious technical demands are especially appealing. From the outset the considerable poise and virtuosity of the supremely talented players of The Leopold String Trio engage the listener in a soundworld of rich textures, elegant melodic lines, pastoral interludes and brilliant concerto-style passagework.

CDA67246  66 minutes 59 seconds
GRAMOPHONE CRITICS' CHOICE
SUNDAY TIMES RECORD OF THE YEAR
‘Now eclipses Grumiaux as my top recommendation in both works’ (BBC Music Magazine)
‘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. ...
‘One of Mozart's most carefree yet paradoxically profound healing masterpieces, played with skill and love … the most glowing and perceptive account since the Grumiaux's, and deserves to win frie ...