Rosetti: 5 Wind Partitas

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of classical wind music with Antonio Rosetti's "Five Wind Partitas." This exquisite album, released on March 16, 2004, under the CPO label, showcases the masterful compositions of Antonio Rosetti, a renowned composer from the late 18th century. The album features five beautifully crafted partitas, each offering a unique blend of elegance and virtuosity.

Recorded by the talented ensemble Consortium Classicum, this collection spans a duration of one hour and eleven minutes, providing a rich tapestry of musical experiences. The partitas included are Partita No. 14 in D Major, Partita No. 8 in D Major, Partita No. 9 in D Major, Partita No. 11 in D Major, and Partita No. 15 in F Major. Each partita is meticulously performed, highlighting the intricate details and dynamic range of Rosetti's compositions.

The album begins with the solemn and reflective "Grave" from Partita No. 14, followed by the lively "Menuet" and the romantic "Romance - Adagio non tanto." The energetic "Allegro vivace" concludes this partita, setting the stage for the subsequent works. The album continues with Partita No. 8, featuring a "Moderato" that exudes a sense of calm and serenity, followed by a lively "Andante ma allegretto" and a graceful "Menuet." The "Rondo. Allegro" brings this partita to a spirited close.

Partita No. 9 offers a more introspective mood with its "Moderato" and "Andantino," while the "Finale. Andante" provides a gentle and soothing conclusion. Partita No. 11 begins with an "Adagio - Allegro molto" that captures the listener's attention with its dramatic contrasts, followed by a "Menuet. Moderato" and an "Andante" that showcases the ensemble's delicate phrasing. The album concludes with Partita No. 15, featuring an "Allegro moderato" that is both lively and refined, a "Menuet. Moderato" that is both elegant and playful, and an "Andante ma allegretto" that is both soothing and expressive. The album ends with an "Allegro à la chasse," a lively and energetic finale that leaves a lasting impression.

"Five Wind Partitas" is a testament to Antonio Rosetti's genius and the exceptional skill of the Consortium Classicum. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a captivating journey through the world of classical wind music. The precise performances and the rich, expressive playing of the Consortium Classicum bring Rosetti's compositions to life, making this album a true gem in the classical music repertoire.

March 16, 2004

2004 CPO

About Antonio Rosetti

Antonio Rosetti, born Franz Anton Rösler around 1750 in Litoměřice, Bohemia, was a prolific and versatile composer and double bass player of the Classical era. A contemporary of Haydn and Mozart, Rosetti's career spanned the great musical capitals of Europe, including Prague, Berlin, Paris, and London. His compositions, which include symphonies, concertos, and chamber music, were highly regarded during his lifetime and performed with the same frequency as those of his more famous peers. Despite his early death at the age of 42, Rosetti's musical legacy continues to be celebrated, with his works offering a unique perspective on the evolving styles of the Classical period. His ability to blend the influences of his Bohemian roots with the musical trends of his time makes his music a captivating journey for both scholars and enthusiasts alike.