Johann Evangelist Brandl is a rather obscure figure but this disc with some interesting works for the bassoon should change the picture thanks to MD&G's enterprising talent scouting!
By far the most interesting of the works on offer here is the Op. 52 #2 quintet that contains a full fledged symphonic pattern in four movements. The other two quintets are relaxed and not so intense; indeed there is a Mozartian air about proceedings that is rather well caught by the expert Calamus Ensemble. Rainer Schottstadt's bassoon playing is beyond reproach on all counts and I greatly enjoyed the music in his quite excellent interpretations.
I always have some qualms about MD&G's notes which are sometimes straight translations from the German but the amount of information is succinctly adequate. Lovers of this rather neglected instrument will definitely enjoy these well prepared and executed performances.
Copyright © 2002, Gerald Fenech