Album Feature & Review: Andrea Mogavero’s 5 New Mozart Quartets Arranged by Hoffmeister
Andrea Mogavero is a sought-after performer with a vast repertoire ranging from Baroque music to contemporary composers; he is considered among the best flutists of his generation and appreciated for his interpretations that succeed in evoking the great flutists of the past.
Brief history of the CD
We are thrilled to announce the latest release from Da Vinci Classics, featuring the renowned flutist Andrea Mogavero alongside the distinguished string ensemble Trio Quodlibet. This exquisite CD encompasses not only the original four Flute Quartets by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart but also unveils a delicate collection of transcriptions derived from some of his most adored Piano Sonatas and his Oboe Quartet, all meticulously arranged for flute and string trio.
These transcriptions, crafted by Franz Anton Hoffmeister, shine a new light on Mozart's compositions. Hoffmeister, a figure deeply intertwined with Mozart's life as both a close friend and publisher, and an esteemed composer in his own right, brings a unique perspective to these works. The presence of his hand in these arrangements suggests a rendition that would have resonated with Mozart himself, especially considering Hoffmeister's renowned affinity for flute compositions.
The CD offers listeners a rich tapestry of sound, merging the sweet tones of the flute with the harmonious strings of Trio Quodlibet, thereby creating a beautifully blended soundscape. Among the treasures featured is the celebrated Sonata KV 331, concluding with the iconic "Alla Turca," reimagined for this ensemble. Each transcription is a testament to the artistry of Hoffmeister and Mogavero, alongside Trio Quodlibet, as they navigate the intricate landscapes of Mozart's compositions with grace and dexterity.
This release promises to be an invaluable addition to the collections of classical music enthusiasts and aficionados alike, offering a fresh perspective on some of Mozart's best-loved works. We invite you to immerse yourself in this fascinating panorama, where the timeless allure of Mozart's music is presented anew through the sublime interplay of flute and strings.
Join us in celebrating this extraordinary collaboration, which not only pays homage to Mozart's genius but also highlights the innovative spirit of Hoffmeister's transcriptions. It is a journey through classical music's most enchanting realms, promising to captivate and inspire listeners with every note.
Tracklist
1. Quartet for Flute and String Trio No. 1 in F Major After Quartet for oboe, violin, viola & cello K. 370 (K. 368b) - I. Allegro
2. Quartet for Flute and String Trio No. 1 in F Major After Quartet for oboe, violin, viola & cello K. 370 (K. 368b) - II. Adagio (Cadenza by Andrea Mogavero)
3. Quartet for Flute and String Trio No. 1 in F Major After Quartet for oboe, violin, viola & cello K. 370 (K. 368b) - III. Rondeau. Allegro
4. Quartet for Flute and String Trio No. 2 in C major After Keyboard Sonata No. 7 in C major K. 309 (K. 284b) - I. Allegro con spirito
5. Quartet for Flute and String Trio No. 2 in C major After Keyboard Sonata No. 7 in C major K. 309 (K. 284b) - II. Andante poco Adagio
6. Quartet for Flute and String Trio No. 2 in C major After Keyboard Sonata No. 7 in C major K. 309 (K. 284b) - III. Rondo. Allegretto grazioso
7. Quartet for Flute and String Trio No. 3 in G major After Keyboard Sonata in F major, K. 533/494 - I. Allegro
8. Quartet for Flute and String Trio No. 3 in G major After Keyboard Sonata in F major, K. 533/494 - II. Andante con espressione
9. Quartet for Flute and String Trio No. 3 in G major After Keyboard Sonata in F major, K. 533/494 - III. Rondo: Allegretto
10. Quartet for Flute and String Trio No. 4 in D major After Keyboard Sonata No. 9 in D major, K. 311 (K. 284c) - I. Allegro con spirito
11. Quartet for Flute and String Trio No. 4 in D major After Keyboard Sonata No. 9 in D major, K. 311 (K. 284c) - II. Andante con espressione
12. Quartet for Flute and String Trio No. 4 in D major After Keyboard Sonata No. 9 in D major, K. 311 (K. 284c) - III. Rondo: Allegro
13. Quartet for Flute and String Trio No.5 in A major After Keyboard Sonata No. 11 in A major ("Alla Turca") K. 331 (K. 300i) - I. Andante grazioso
14. Quartet for Flute and String Trio No.5 in A major After Keyboard Sonata No. 11 in A major ("Alla Turca") K. 331 (K. 300i) - II. Menuetto
15. Quartet for Flute and String Trio No.5 in A major After Keyboard Sonata No. 11 in A major ("Alla Turca") K. 331 (K. 300i) - III. Allegretto alla turca
1) Why did you record this CD?
My constant desire to explore lesser-known or unusual repertoire guides each of my recording projects. This approach is reflected in my albums, which are characterised by my search for rare and fascinating works. On my latest release, for example, I've included Mozart quartets transcribed for flute, violin, viola and cello by Franz Anton Hoffmeister, as well as the famous Sonata K.331 'Alla Turca'. These compositions are hard to come by, yet they offer a unique musical beauty that I love to explore. Although I have a deep appreciation for the classical flute literature, my main focus at the moment is on discovering new musical possibilities.
2) Where did you get your Inspiration?
My inspiration came from listening to Jean-Pierre Rampal's latest album. Recorded in December 1999 with the New Pasquier Trio, "The God of the Flute" (to quote Luciano Pavarotti) is the culmination of his extraordinary career. It was characterised by an incomparable beauty of sound and a mature style that reflected his genius even at the age of 77. Listening to such magnificence filled me with profound awe, and for a long time I dreamed of interpreting it myself. However, I noticed that Rampal had recorded only three of the five quartets for flute and string trio. This discrepancy made me think of completing the work and including the two missing quartets. I therefore presented the idea to the prestigious record label, Da Vinci Classics with whom I have been working since 2018, and received enthusiastic approval.
3) Facts about the project?
For the recording of this album I chose the Trio Quodlibet, made up of Vittorio Sebeglia on violin, Virginia Luca on viola and Fabio Fausone on cello. We recorded the five quartets over two and a half days. However, it is worth noting the difference between the first quartet, K370, composed directly by Mozart, and the other four transcribed by Hoffmeister. While Mozart's music flows smoothly and naturally, with Hoffmeister we had to work to recreate the essence of the original composer. Despite the inherent challenges, the transcriptions proved to be of excellent quality, and we endeavoured to ensure that the listener would perceive no discrepancy between Mozart's works and Hoffmeister's reinterpretations.
CD REVIEW
Andrea Mogavero's latest recording is nothing short of a revelation for classical music lovers. In this captivating album, Mogavero showcases his virtuosity as a flutist while breathing new life into Mozart's timeless compositions. Collaborating with an ensemble of exceptional musicians, Mogavero delivers a performance that is both technically flawless and emotionally compelling.
From the moment the first notes cascade from Mogavero's flute, listeners are enveloped in a world of exquisite beauty. His sound is rich and resonant, effortlessly capturing the nuances of Mozart's compositions. Each phrase is delivered with a precision and clarity that is truly breathtaking, showcasing Mogavero's impeccable artistry and deep understanding of the music.
One of the highlights of the album is Mogavero's stunning collaboration with his ensemble members, the Trio Quodlibet, which consists of violinist, Vittorio Sebeglia, violist, Virginia Luca and cellist, Fabio Fausone. The chemistry between the musicians is palpable, as they seamlessly weave together intricate melodies and harmonies. Whether engaging in playful dialogue or conveying profound emotion, the ensemble's cohesion is nothing short of remarkable.
Throughout the recording, Mogavero's musicianship shines brightly, illuminating the intricacies of Mozart's compositions with grace and poise. His nuanced interpretation brings new depth to these familiar works, revealing hidden layers of beauty and complexity. Each movement is imbued with a sense of urgency and vitality, keeping listeners captivated from start to finish.
In conclusion, Andrea Mogavero's rendition of "5 New Mozart Quartets arranged by Hoffmeister" is a triumph of artistry and musicianship. With his beautiful sound, impeccable artistry, and stunning collaboration with ensemble members, Mogavero has crafted an album that is sure to delight classical music enthusiasts for years to come. Whether you're a seasoned Mozart aficionado or a newcomer to classical music, this recording is not to be missed.
--Viviana Guzman, The Flute View Magazine