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CD Review
Johann Stamitz
- Symphony in G Major
- Clarinet Concerto in B Flat Major
- Sinfonia pastorale in D Major, Op. 4 #2
- Symphony in D Major, Op. 3 #2
Alan Hacker, clarinet
The Academy of Ancient Music/Christopher Hogwood
L'Oiseau-Lyre 4759116 50m ADD
L'Oiseau-Lyre continues to thrill all those interested in early period music performances with this truly gorgeous disc of works by Johann Stamitz. Christopher Hogwood has the measure of these delightful symphonies which move along pleasantly enough especially the opening G Major with its brisk work for the strings.
Alan Hacker gives a commendable performance of the Clarinet Concerto and 33 years later, it still sounds fresh and marvelously ebullient, receiving judicious and apt support from the Academy of Ancient Music. Although purists can argue that the interpretative style has been superseded, this disc is a timely reminder of the thrilling period practice revival that dominated the 1970's London musical scene.
The notes by Lindsay Kemp recreate superbly that very spirit which I have just alluded to and the remastering is as fine as one could imagine. If you are a lover of period instruments at their best then you should obviously want this disc in your collection as soon as possible.
Copyright © 2008, Gerald Fenech
