Review: Mozart - String Quintets K.515-6

This is the Quatuor Van Kuijk’s third Mozart release for Alpha Classics, the previous two included 4 “Haydn Quartets” and early works. Rather than finishing the Haydn Quartets series, they turn their attention to the masterful String Quintets on C Major and G Minor, K. 515-516, joined by violist Adrien La Marca.

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Those familiar with this group’s previous releases will recognize the general approach – lean, airy and transparent sound with rhythmic stability and well-judged, sometimes cooler projection. The first few bars of the C Major Quintet are telling; The thicker writing opens with a deep and bassy cello, playing an all-familiar “Mannheim rocket” motive, a broken chord played in an upward trajectory. The first violin answers with a short phrase that is somewhat hesitant, coming as an echo from afar. Many violinists managed to remain modest in this important segment while still making a mark, but here the violin sound lacks body and significance. Turn to the Klenke Quartet’s wonderful cycle of the complete quintets to hear a perfectly-balanced opening (reviewed here).

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I did find the Quatuor Van Kuijk charming at times, as in the C Major Quintet’s “Andante”, which is played with true serenity and a fine blend of the five instruments, or the echoey repeat of the Menutett’s trio, when the players use the edge of their bows to create a haunting effect (track 3, 3’30”).

The G Minor Quintet fairs better. The lively tempo of the first movement brings extra excitement and the dialogue between the different instruments is commendable (the recording balance is also better). Overall, the group sounds much more involved in this Quintet and their transparent approach more persuasive, as in the opening Adagio of the final movement. The closing Allegros of both Quintets are played with lovely humor and light-heartedness.

Overall, this will appeal to those who collect the Quatuor Van Kuijk’s ongoing Mozart series, but can’t match some of the best digital versions in the catalog, namely the Lindsays, Takács, and Klenke.