In the late 1700s, Vienna was seized by enthusiasm for the clarinet. Mozart fell in love with the sound of this fashionable new instrument, considering it the closest to the human voice, especially in the hands of the brilliant virtuoso Anton Stadler. He was moved by Stadler and clarinet builder Theodor Lotz’ latest invention, the basset clarinet, to compose his Clarinet Quintet in A major. With its perfect proportions and melodic invention, this exquisite work is one of Mozart’s best-loved pieces to this day.
Rebecca Varidel, Sydney Scoop 6 January 2023