GRAN PARTITA KV 361

Description

As Jean-Victor Hocquart said, the instrumental density of the serenade KV 361 for 13 instruments (which was only called "Gran Partita" long after Mozart's death) poses two risks for performers: "thickness and confusion, on one hand [...] and on the other hand, the fraying of instrumental lines striving to come together." Under the name Stuttgart Winds, the wind players of the Stuttgart Radio Orchestra avoid both pitfalls in this absolutely stunning recording. While they benefit from all the technical and sound comfort of their modern instruments, they have integrated the codes of historical performance, and the result is of such beauty that it can take your breath away, as every timbre (even that of the fourth horn), every nuance is perceptible. With eyes closed, the listener literally sees the score unfold before them. No false metaphysics here, no "contemplation of the stars": just pure entertainment, but how high does it soar! Everything deserves to be mentioned: the second trio of Menuet I electrifies, the famous adagio's stationary rotation brings tears, the variations create and dissolve microscopic opera ensembles, the finale is worthy of the Janissaries from The Abduction from the Seraglio... Additionally, the transcription of the fantasy for mechanical organ KV 608 may not have been necessary, but it ultimately wins over the listener, and a remarkable recording (slightly harsh in some forte tutti) completes this thrilling recording. (Olivier Eterradossi)