Global Fascinations and Sophistications
Emma Johnson
Chamber music is the 'in thing' at concerts, astute audiences deriving
considerable pleasure from studying the concentration of performers moulding
their expressive phrases as one. Clarinettist Emma Johnson, past UK BBC
'Young Musician of the Year', is not only gorgeous to look at (yes, my interview
was published here recently!), but has a magical way of compelling her musical
partners to enjoy fine music to the full.
Mozart and Weber quintets are two of her favourites, and it has been
several years since these two masterworks have experienced such authoratative
performances. Creamy textures, with Gabor Takács-Nagy (late of the
Takács Quartet), Rebecca Hirsch, Tim Boulton and Andrew Shulman providing
loving tonal blendings, make this a first recommendation among current recordings.
If Mozart's incomplete Allegro in B flat (just 4 and half minutes long)
suggests an anti-climax, it will keep purists happy. Henry Wood Hall with
Andrew Keener and Martin Haskell in charge means superb production and sound
quality (ASV).
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Copyright © 9 August 2000
Bill Newman, Edgware, UK
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