Mozart: Horn Concertos, Horn QuintetJavier Bonet (horn), Münchner Rudfunkorchester/Hermann/Baumann(Javier Bonet)
New releases of Mozart's horn concertos tend to go down the period instrument, unvalved route, with outstanding recent versions from
Roger Montgomery and
Pip Eastop. This crowd-funded disc has Javier Bonet playing a modern horn, backed by an orchestra conducted by veteran hornist Hermann Baumann. Baumann himself recorded these concertos on both natural and valved horns, and here he proves to be sublimely affable accompanist. Bonet's bright, clear sound won't be to all tastes, but it serves his performance style beautifully; these are deliciously vocal performances. And
scrupulously prepared, too. K417's first movement includes John Humphries' idiomatic reconstruction of the movement's close: what follows after the cadenza sounds noticeably more Mozartian than what we're used to. Bonet's account of the enigmatic D major concerto K412 features a more authentic version of the Rondo, almost derailed by a cheekily inauthentic cadenza.
This is a comprehensive set, the bonus features including Humphries' edition of the Eb Concert Rondo, a dazzling performance of the sublime Horn Quintet and a snatch of Bonet playing the natural horn. Especially poignant is the E major concerto fragment, stopping abruptly after a tutti flourish as promising as that which opens Mozart's Clarinet Concerto. All good, and horn aficionados fans will lap up the edition which includes a bonus 'Making Of' DVD. Bonet's balletic playing is entertaining to watch; it's refreshing to see musicians having such fun.