Myslivecek recording is not to be missed

Last year the period-instrument ensemble Concerto Koln released an all-Mozart disc in celebration of the composer's 250th birthday year. The group's latest release is an appropriate follow-up--a collection of symphonies by Mozart's good friend and mentor, Josef Myslivecek. Though he's not well-known today, Myslivecek was once called "Il Divino Boemo" (The Divine Bohemian). For Mozart, he was a model for graceful melodies and elegant rhythms.

In 1770, while Myslivecek was in his prime, he was preparing a new opera to be staged in Bologna. At around this same time, the 14-year-old Mozart was traveling around Italy with his father, and they checked into the same inn where Myslivecek was lodging. Mozart and Myslivecek immediately struck up a friendship that lasted a lifetime. Mozart admired his friend for his music as well as his spirit. He even borrowed musical ideas from Myslivecek for his first serious opera, "Mitridate," and for some of his early symphonies.

The Myslivecek sinfonias that appear on this recording are all under ten minutes. That's because these pieces were originally operatic overtures; their goal was to capture the audience's attention, which they certainly do.

The string section launches the Overture in A major, which leads off this recording, with a soaring, energetic melody that grabs you right by the collar.

Myslivecek's Sinfonia in C major is a good example of the powerful role that rhythm plays in the composer's works. At the same time, he gives each set of instruments--horns, flutes, oboes, and strings--a chance to display their virtuosity, a great opportunity for a strong group of performers like those in Concerto Koln. The slow movement of this sinfonia is one example of Myslivecek's skill at combining those elegant rhythms with a lyrical melody. It almost sounds like a Mozart divertimento or some other kind of light entertainment music by Mozart. While listening to this piece, we can easily hear the influence Myslivecek had on the younger composer.

Myslivecek had an attraction to woodwinds and horns, and he uses them to full effect in the works featured on this release, including the final piece, the Concertino in E-flat major for two horns, two flutes, two clarinets, bassoon and strings. The clarinets and flutes create an appealing interplay because they blend so beautifully, even when they're clowning around in the first movement. The horn calls add just the right accent, while the rest of the orchestra sweetens the texture even more.

This recording is delightful from beginning to end. It's easy to hear why Mozart appreciated the music of Myslivecek. Concerto Koln gives this music the loving attention it deserves. The group's thoughtful phrasing, crisp articulation and frolicsome grace notes enhance this long-forgotten music in a way that makes you wonder why this composer ever fell off the proverbial map.

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