Dieter Klöcker, premier clarinetist and eminent scholar, has brought to light three little-known works by Ignaz Pleyel that are best described by Mozart’s own words to his father about some of Pleyel’s other music: “If you are not acquainted with them–it is worth the effort. They are very well written and very pleasant; and you’ll recognize his master at once, too.” Pleyel’s teacher was Haydn, and Mozart was right on all counts. Klöcker conducts his always excellent Consortium Classicum in a splendid reading of the charming Octet. Balance between winds and strings is always as it should be, and the players’ skill is exemplary. Highlights include the solo violin line in the imaginative Menuet, and the really lovely string ensemble in the Adagio.
Haydn’s shadow looms large in the Op. 10 String Trio’s soulful main theme of the Allegro and in the stylish Rondo. The three string players in the aforementioned Octet’s Adagio movement maintain their high standards in the Trio. Klöcker finally makes his appearance as a performer in the very bubbly Trio Concertant for two clarinets and bassoon. This journeyman work features lots of perpetuum mobile passages in the outer movements to challenge the musicians, balanced with a meditatively lyrical Adagio. Klöcker and his colleagues shine throughout. CPO’s sound is quite good, although the winds could use more bloom.
