Search - Avalon Wind Quintet :: Cambini: Wind Quintets Nos. 1-3 / Briccialdi: Wind Quintet In D Major

A most entertaining, disposable disc.

darragh o'donoghue | 08/01/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Cambini's long life spanned those of both Mozart and Beethoven, and he is the type of proficient, prolific professional against which those erratic geniuses can be measured. His three wind quintets, written in 1802, are virtually interchangable, reminiscent of Mozart's serenades, full of forgettable melodies, long, flowing lines on the flute, bassoon and oboe, conventionally appealing slow movements, and a constantly enjoyable interplay between the five instruments. They are a pleasure to listen to, a cool, classical Spring breeze in these sweltering summer months. Briccialdi was born nearly a century after Cambini: his wind quintet in D major offers much of the same, but more - the scoring is tighter, the music more dramatic, coloured and rhythmic, the melodies more yearning. The marvellous Avalon quintet play this music as if it IS Mozart."