JOSEPH MARTIN KRAUS (1756-1792): Flute Quintet in D, Op. 7, BERNHARD HENRIK CRUSELL (1775-1838): Clarinet Quartet in D Minor, Op. 4 (transcr. Mikael Helasvuo), Flute Quartet in D, Op. 8.

Description: Kraus' 1783 quartet is a much longer, more involved work than Mozart's flute quartets, lasting over 28 minutes in this performance (on period instruments). The composer is, naturally, in his genial and relaxed manner here and his Sturm und Drang personality is absent. The notes by Helasvuo tell us that the Op. 4 Crusell transcription is by the composer himself but the traycard identifies it as by the performer. Regardless, it and its Op. 8 partner (which is definitely Crusell's flute version of the Op. 7 clarinet quartet) are perfect late Classical companions for the Kraus. Mikael Helasvuo (flute), Rantatie Quartet.