Mozart: Strings Trios and Duos 2 CD set - Grumiaux Trio et al [Complete Mozart Edition Vol 13]

This double CD is simply fantastic. String trios and duos don't sound as though they have the glamour or excitement of larger scale works, but this is often Mozart at his absolute best and the music here provides everything you would expect from far larger forces.

All the works here are excellent and worth hearing over and over again, but the true masterpiece is the Divertimento K563. The title "Divertimento" is a little misleading in that it makes the work sound light and rather inconsequential, but it is a mature piece of consummate genius. Around 40 minutes long with six movements, it is more substantial than many of the symphonies both in structure and, to me anyway, in musical content. It is crammed with singable melodies and charm but also has near-miraculous musical inventiveness, moments of true pathos and genuine depth. I think is one of Mozart's finest works. I have heard it said that in his string quartets Mozart was rather over-awed and inhibited by the greatness of Haydn and that his greatest musical expressiveness came in the string quintets and this trio. On this evidence it is hard to argue with that.

The Grumiaux Trio are magnificent throughout. Grumiaux himself was one of the very finest interpreters of Mozart of the last century and the understanding between the trio and their obvious love of the music makes this something really special, and the other musicians are very, very good too. The recording quality is excellent and Philips have made a very good job of the digital transfer. Very warmly recommended.

- Amazon user review

2 CD set in cardboard slipcase; Includes 60 page multilingual booklet, numerous photographs of the soloists and descriptions of the works; Running time: 2 Hours 13 Minutes and 40 seconds

EAN: 028942251328

422 513-2

Philips, 1991

CDs: Excellent condition/Like new; Slipcase - Good; Slightly shelf-worn

C02/C06