A cursory glance at the headnote might give a misleading impression: this is not the familiar Mozart clarinet concerto in A K. 622, but rather an altogether different concerto for oboe (or clarinet) attributed to Mozart, published in 1899. Historical sources point toward likely authorship by an Eastern European composer, one who, as indicated by the solo writing, was more skilled with the clarinet than the oboe. Despite the uncertain pedigree, this remains a well-written and musically pleasing work of such quality that it’s not difficult to understand its Mozartean attribution. Actually, I find more it inventive and engaging than the “real” Mozart concerto, especially in this lively performance by Dieter Klöcher. Klöcher does a star turn as well in the Variations for Clarinet & Orchestra after KV 382, spinning out notes in the showcase solo part with astonishing ease and buoyancy.
The big work here is the Sinfonia Concertante K. 297, one of Mozart’s finest orchestral compositions. Creating an air of expectancy in the long introduction, the Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra wonderfully prepares us for the entrance of the four soloists, who take center stage with thrilling virtuosity and joyful abandon. (I must confess, however, that my more Romantic tastes have me preferring the plush sonic red carpet laid out by the Berlin Philharmonic strings under Karl Böhm in their rendition for Deutsche Grammophon). MDG provides a recording that defines high fidelity–spatially true with clear balances and realistic dynamics.
