Clarinettist Lesley Schatzberger and the Fitzwilliam String Quartet present a new recording of works by Brahms, Mozart, Glazunov and Sweeny. Originally released in 2007, Brahms: Clarinet Quintet has been re-issued as part of Linn’s ECHO series which offers a second chance to enjoy the best of the label’s award-winning catalogue.

Clarinettist Lesley Schatzberger and the Fitzwilliam String Quartet, both of whom have established well-deserved reputations for thoughtfully delivered and historically considered performances, present works by Brahms, Mozart, Glazunov and Sweeney. At the centrepiece is the Brahms Clarinet Quintet in B minor, which in their hands carries particular historical significance. Brahms was originally inspired to write the Quintet after hearing clarinettist Richard Mühlfeld perform. Lesley Schatzberger performs on a specially-made copy made of Mühlfeld’s own clarinet and the performers adhere to certain aspects of performance practice which were in favour at that time, while embracing Brahms’s attitude to rhythm, tempo, and rubato creating a truly authentic feel. The programme also includes a rare Mozart quintet movement in B flat major, completed by Duncan Druce, which is one of several
unfinished Mozart works which are still being realised today, as well as Glazunov’s haunting Rêverie Orientale and  An Òg-Mhadainn (The Young Morning) by Scottish contemporary composer William Sweeney.