NOSPR in Chamber Mode / Mozart & Brahms by Mozart, Brahms, Minn (2023/2023), Novosibirsk Philharmony Chamber Hall, Novosibirsk, Russia

These two quintets are a well-known duo – probably the most popular pieces for such an ensemble, commonly performed together. Although separated, aesthetically by whole epochs and chronologically by over 100 years, they both engage the clarinet in collaboration with the string quartet so awe-inspiring that few chamber musicians are able to resist them. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Quintet in A major is a fruit of his fascination with the new invention, one that was still being improved in late 18th century – the composer probably planned for the piece to be performed with a bass clarinet, an experimental type of the instrument. The work showcases a vivid imagination within the framework of “pure” classical style. “Hearing the clarinettist will be a holiday in your life” – wrote Johannes Brahms to Clara Schumann, inviting her to the premiere of his Quintet in B minor. The first sounds are enough for us also to understand what he meant. Furthermore, it becomes understandable why the piece remains a chamber favourite