Mozart and Beethoven: Quintets for Fortepiano & Wind Instruments

Ludwig van Beethoven (Composer), Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Composer), Robert Levin (Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: Robert Levin
• Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• Audio CD (July 20, 1999)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Decca
• ASIN: B00000JLFD
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #454,752 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Be aware that these are period instruments, February 23, 2000

By A Customer

Whoever had such a problem with balance probably wasn't aware that this recording was made with some of the foremost experts of period practice on their respective instruments- Robert Levin has made a name for himself playing classical masterpieces on restored fortepianos (and improvising his own cadenzas!), and each of the wind soloists has appeared and recorded the Mozart wind concertos on authentic instruments with Hogwood and the AAM. As such, this recording is different from typical recordings- naturally the balance will be different because these are different instrumtents- the bassoon and the horn were much more powerful before than they are today, and the piano has undergone the opposite tranformation. Beyond the different sound of the instruments, however, the musical approach is also quite different- there is a clear effort to attempt to recreate period practices; a pedantic fidelity to the score is abandoned in favor of the spontaneous reading, complete with numerous embellishments and ornaments, that were more typical of the style. This style of playing and the different sound (esp in the fortepiano) may not be favored by some, but for those interested in how this music may have sounded in Mozart's own day, such a recording offers valuable insight and suggestions.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fine performance, Fine recording, September 14, 2009

By	P. Grannis (NJ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have owned and enjoyed this recording for several years. The performances are delightful, with a completely charming pace and execution. And I have never noticed anything lacking in the quality of the recording. I'd recommend this CD to any fan of Mozart and Beethoven.

7 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars This CD is awful. I am sorry I bought it., August 4, 1999

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

Whoever mixed this CD has no concept of balance. The pianoforte is practically impossible to hear over the winds, and the horn is so blaring that it makes me want to shut the whole thing off. I would return it to Amazon if I could. Don't buy it.