Together with the Talich Quartet’s accounts on Calliope, these Mozart string quintets with Arthur Grumiaux and friends represent the best currently available choices. Since the Grumiaux version was released in 1973 it has remained a stalwart of the catalog, and was previously released as part of Philips’ grandiose Complete Mozart Edition in 1991 and later was included with other chamber works in a pair of Duos issued in 1997. The analog sound has held up well compared to current standards and is perfectly acceptable, placing the musicians in a natural, believable sound-stage.
Grumiaux had a knack for Mozart, as anyone familiar with his recordings of the sonatas or concertos will attest. He also chose his compatriots expertly: listeners quickly will notice how well all five players blend into a harmonious whole (check out the second movement of K. 174 for instant evidence); how they effortlessly pass the themes back and forth; and how their individual sonorities sound so well-matched.
Overall, the Grumiaux team does not imbue these works with the same visceral intensity and earthiness exemplified in more recent recordings by, say, the Ensemble Villa Musica (MDG) or Talich Quartet. Rather, the approach bespeaks sheer elegance, refinement, and tranquility without ever becoming uninspiring. As a major bonus, Philips has included the Grumiaux Trio’s reference-standard performance of the great Divertimento K. 563, one of the pinnacles of Mozart’s chamber output. A must for any classical collection. [7/20/2002]
