Mozart - String Quintets Nos. 1-6 (Belvedere, 2 DVDs)

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The rarely performed string quintets for two violins, two violas and cello, which Mozart produced in his last four years, show him at his best. With this sleeping giant of his chamber output – well-wrought, deeply expressive chamber music – he created benchmark models for the genre which make it hard not to speculate on what its future might have been had Mozart not died so young. The textural richness and warmth provided by the two violas was an attraction, as was the increased freedom allowed the cello. The extra instrument also enabled Mozart to draw upon a broader set of partnerships, dialogues and accompaniment combinations within the group, in almost symphonic fashion.