It says much for a composer’s craftsmanship that even when a large-scale symphony is arranged for just flute and strings, its essence remains intact. Johann Peter Salomon’s reduction of Haydn’s “Surprise” Symphony, the last piece in a program that re-creates an 1801 salon at Vienna’s Palais Arnstein, does just that: Its charm, invention, and wit simply dance in this rendition by the six fine musicians of Philadelphia-based Night Music. Kraus’ delightful Quintet for Flute and Strings opens proceedings, and Dittersdorf’s Duetto for the unlikely pairing of viola and double bass makes a surprisingly melodious centerpiece for this inventive and lovingly performed album.
- Ian Page & The Mozartists
- Deutsche Kammerakademie Neuss & Simon Gaudenz
- Eric Hoeprich & The London Haydn Quartet
- Ensemble Diderot & Johannes Pramsohler
- Le Petit Trianon
- Bram van Sambeek, Swedish Chamber Orchestra & Alexei Ogrintchouk
- Sergio Azzolini, Giovanni de Angeli, Camerata Rousseau & Leonardo Muzii