Classical Music: Mozart The Piano Quartets

Mozart introduced his audiences to many new trends; on this disc of his two piano quartets, we hear the addition of the viola. He was certainly the first composer to make an outstanding success of adding the instrument, and in doing so, the strings become an equal partner to the piano rather than mere accompaniment. As Michael O’Loghlin points out, if this reminds us of Mozart’s piano concertos, the impression is reinforced by their overall form. Like the concertos and unlike the string quartets, they have just three movements: a full-bodied movement in sonata form, a lighter central slow movement in a related key, and a rondo finale.

The first quartet is written in the key of G minor, rarely used by Mozart, and the overall mood is quite dark, almost disturbing. The second quartet, in E flat major, is, by contrast, much sunnier in atmosphere.

These are lovely works, which are performed here by a quartet of stellar musicians, all of whom are in their ascendancy: violinist Francesca Dego, violist Timothy Ridout, cellist Laura van der Heijden, and pianist Federico Colli. Chandos’ young outstanding stars, who are making positive waves and who we will undoubtedly hear more of over the next decade.

Colli, whose understanding of Mozart is magically conveyed in his first volume of Mozart’s piano works for Chandos, (Classical-Music-Review-Federico-Colli-Plays-Mozart-Vol-1) glistens with equally insightful interpretations on this album. His delicate playing on a Steinway is full of elegance and lovely phrasing, and he plays with an inspirited, spry vigour.

Joined by his three friends, they are all perfectly balanced, and the performances show the strong camaraderie between the musicians. Each contributes polished articulation without dominating, and together they capture the character of the pieces with assured playing.

Ridout has a wonderful warmth and, along with van de Heijden and Dego, interjects with a vivid intensity and, when needed, offers a light, deft lightness of touch, adding a different dimension.

Their detailed interpretations present a nicely paced, expressive, and sophisticated performance with wonderful tone and superb passagework.