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There are certain chamber-works of which we never tire.
Be it on FM radio, in concert, or in home, whenever they're heard our ears prick up and we sit back to relish the ride--by whomsoever they're performed.
They never outstay their welcome; and we never grow weary of their company.
Nominees for this list definitely include Dvorák's `American' Quartet, Beethoven's Septet, Schubert's `Great' G-major Sonata, and the two masterpieces featured on this disc: the Clarinet Quintets of Mozart and Brahms.
Gervase de Peyer was a founding member of the Melos Ensemble of London; he and Karl Leister are undoubtedly the two principal classical clarinettists of the modern era; both have recorded these twain Clarinet Quintets with various ensembles, and each of the realizations is invariably unique.
But of all available recorded performances, these two here (recorded 1964-65) remain foremost favourites for their unity of ensemble, distinctive devoir, and excellence of execution.
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