Description
Quintet in D minor for fortepiano, oboe, clarinet, horn and bassoon, Op. 41
Sonata in E flat major for fortepiano and horn, Op. 28
Sonata in B flat major for fortepiano and clarinet, Op. 54
Total time [79.55]
James Eastaway – Oboe
Jane Booth – Clarinet
Anneke Scott – Horn
Ursula Leveaux – Bassoon
Steven Devine – Fortepiano
Recorded following performances at Finchcocks Musical Museum, Goudhurst, Kent TN17 1HH
“This opening instalment of a projected series includes the only such work scored for piano, horn, clarinet, oboe and bassoon, the same combination as Mozart’s K452 and Beethoven’s op. 16…It is given a fine performance, led by Steven Devine’s fluent playing on a Johann Fritz fortepiano of 1815 from the Finchcocks collection.
The generously timed CD also includes two substantial three-movement sonatas, one for piano and horn (in E flat, op. 28 published in 1804), the other for piano and clarinet in B flat (1817-18). …. Anneke Scott (horn) and Jane Booth (clarinet) play them with considerable accomplishment, the disc as a whole being a persuasive opening to what promises to be an engaging series.”
Brian Robins, Early Music Review Feb 2014
“His music is attractive and, on the strength of this recording, deserves to be better known. Sonatas for fortepiano and horn (Op.28) and clarinet (Op.54) feature Anneke Scott and Jane Booth, both on exquisite form. They are joined by James Eastaway (oboe) and Ursula Leveaux (bassoon) for the Quintet in D (Op 41). But in all the pieces it is the fortepiano that is in the lead, played here by Steven Devine.
This is an excellent recording of a fascinating repertoire from a fine, if perhaps not great, composer.”
Andrew Benson-Wilson, Early Music Review Feb 2014
The performances…are exemplary and bring out all the charm and sophistication of Danzi’s music. Planet Hugill
“His Quintet in D minor for fortepiano, oboe, clarinet, horn and bassoon (Op 41) was published in Leipzig in 1810, although he simultaneously issued a version for strings (Op 40). The brooding yet beguiling sonority of the Larghetto opening features softly sustained chords that are immaculately balanced by James Eastaway (oboe), Jane Booth (clarinet), Ursula Leveaux (bassoon) and Anneke Scott (horn); all are on scintillating form in this masterfully crafted and elegantly dramatic music.
Steven Devine’s supple fortepiano contributions are flawlessly lyrical, but in the Turkish-style Rondo allegretto conclusion to the Sonata in E flat major for fortepiano and horn (Op 28) he makes astonishing use of ‘Janissary band’ special effects (bells, crashing cymbal, drum and bassoon imitations), operated by an additional pedal and knee lever of a Fritz grand piano (c1815); Scott’s enthralling natural horn-playing takes no prisoners either. Devine’s alert sensitivity and Booth’s cantabile expressiveness form a fine partnership in the Sonata in B flat for fortepiano and clarinet (Op 54). This is a wonderful match of interesting repertoire and classy musicianship.” Gramophone
The playing here is world class. The balance between the instruments is superb and the individual artistry is delightful. Historic Brass Society
