QNT Wind 2/5

Antonin Reicha knew Beethoven in Bonn and taught Berlioz in Paris. He is remembered mostly as a historical transition figure. But he wrote excellent, substantial music, an obvious notch below Beethoven but still very entertaining. People who wish Beethoven had written woodwind quintets (which were actually invented by Reicha) will probably love Reicha's works in that medium. Here are two of his best, in loving, mellow performances, very well recorded and sold for a pittance. My only caution is that getting to know Reicha can be very expensive; he wrote plenty of music as good as these pieces. --Leslie Gerber