Sublime Mozart

01/04/2009
Robert E. Benson
Classical CD Review (US)

The distinguished Australian label Melba has two fine new releases featuring native artists. The first offers master clarinettist Paul Dean in music of Mozart, the composer's only concerto for the instrument, and the clarinet quintet. Guillaume Tourniaire leads the Queensland Orchestra (of which Dean was once principal clarinet), and the new Grainger Quartet (named after Percy Grainger) is heard in the quintet. Outstanding performances, recorded with Melba's usual rich sonics. The release lives up to its title: Sublime Mozart … Both of these are packaged luxuriously, with profuse program notes. Recommended!