The Hermitage String Trio’s recording of Mozart has provided an oasis of calm, entirely appropriate for January. As I write, Radio 3 is midway through its Mozart marathon, where listeners are treated to “every note”, and so this disc’s release seems even more timely. The CD mixes the familiar (Divertimento in E flat) with the unfamiliar (arrangements understood to be by Mozart of Bach) with great success. The arrangements form part of Six Fugues with Slow Preludes, K404a. As the sleeve-notes explain, ‘Four of the preludes were newly composed, but in nos. 4 and 5 the preludes as well as the fugues are transcriptions of pieces by Bach.’ Here, we are presented with nos. 4 and 5 from the set. Confusingly (and this may cause some uproar amongst stricter Bach-lovers), the prelude and fugue are not always related – so in no. 4 the prelude has been taken from the second movement of Bach’s Organ Sonata no. 3 (BWV527) and the fugue from Contrapunctus VIII of Die Kunst der Fuge. No. 5 has taken the second and third movements of Bach’s Organ Sonata no. 2 (BWV526). However, I enjoyed the arrangements – there is a delicacy in the orchestration that allows the various threads of the fugues to remain consistently clear. The Divertimento is by far the most substantial work on this release and allows the Trio the opportunity to shine, both as ensemble players and as soloists. Whilst the Divertimento may take on the familiar six-movement form, Mozart’s writing is such that we are offered a wide range of compositional techniques and influences. Just listen to the very Mozart-ian opening to the Divertimento then the contrapuntal Andante or the folk-like second Minuet to hear the variety demanded of the players – yet each of the works here sounds effortless in their hands. The Hermitage String Trio received enthusiastic reviews for their first release on Chandos (Fauré) last year and this offering looks like it may well be following in its footsteps!

Reviewed by Ruth Squire