CD review: Musical jewel by Simon Reitmaier and the Auner Quartet

The latest CD by Simon Reitmaier and the Auner Quartet (all teachers at the Friedrich Gulda School of Music) presents three outstanding clarinet quintets in an impressive recording with a playing time of almost 88 minutes. Listeners can expect a varied program that reflects the development of this genre and demonstrates the versatility of young talents.

The album begins with Mozart's Quintet, which was instrumental in establishing the clarinet quintet genre, followed by Max Reger's Quintet, which in some ways refers to Mozart's work and itself became a milestone in the repertoire. In between is Ernst Ludwig Leitner's quintet, a more recent work that also refers directly to Mozart's quintet.

The Austrian clarinettist Simon Reitmaier shines in this recording with his enchanting clarinet playing. His warm timbre, his flexibility and his ability to follow melodic lines with the utmost cantability are particularly impressive. He is accompanied by the Auner Quartet, an outstanding ensemble founded in Vienna in 2013.

The quintet by Ernst Ludwig Leitner, entitled “Metamorphosen nach Motiven von W. A. Mozart”, shows an interesting connection to Mozart's music, interpreted with moderate atonality and free tonality. It is a work that skillfully combines traditional elements with modern influences.

The album ends with Max Reger's Clarinet Quintet in A major op. 146, presented by Simon Reitmaier and the Auner Quartet in a sensitive interpretation. The music is explored through a formative polyphony and chromaticism in large lyrical arcs, whereby moments of quiet melancholy are touchingly portrayed.

This CD is a highly recommended release that impressively demonstrates the versatility and skill of the teachers at the Friedrich Gulda School of Music. Immerse yourself in the world of clarinet quintets with this captivating recording and experience musical masterpieces in outstanding interpretations.

Full review here!