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JANSMUSIC RECOMMENDED RECORDING

LIR001
The Galeazzi Ensemble

J.C.Bach: Flute Quartet in C major (from 6 quartets of 1776)
F.J.Haydn: Flute Quartet in G major (1768)
J.S.Bach, arr. W.A.Mozart: String trio in D minor, K404a
F.A.Hoffmeister: Flute Quartet in A major, Op.27 No.2
I.Pleyel: Flute Quartet in D major, Op.25 No.1

This is the first disc recorded by the Galeazzi Ensemble and is a perfect example of a CD that presents the familiar and the unfamiliar.  The works recorded are all flute quartets - an incredibly popular medium of the time - and the group have chosen a selection which spans the last 30 years of the 18th century, beginning with Haydn, and working through those composers who would have been his friends and associates.

I'm a little biased towards this CD as it's the first on my own label, which was formed at the end of 2001 to help young unrecorded artists, and artists who have had a break from recording, to make CDs. I wouldn't have published this CD though if I weren't convinced of its artistic qualities.  Played on period instruments, the sound is light and easy on the ear.

All the composers featured on this discs were incredibly prolific in their composing, whilst juggling several other balls. J.C.Bach, the "London Bach", was music master to the Royal Family, his role there encompassing conducting, composing, concert management, and accompanying the family at the keyboard.  Hoffmeister ran a publishing house, producing works by the likes of Haydn, Beethoven and Mozart, and Pleyel's career is even more astounding since he was something of an entrepreneur, opening a music shop, a publishing house and a piano factory.  Despite their extra-curricular activities, these are fine works, and are well placed with works by their more well-known contemporaries and friends, Haydn and Mozart.

The works on this disc have been chosen to reflect the personality of the group and do so to perfection. The quartet are firm friends who are absolutely in love with the music of this period and who enjoy playing more than anything, and I feel very strongly that their sheer love of the music on this disc shines through.