Franz Danzi: Flute Quintets op. 50 Ardinghello Ensemble

• Franz Danzi (1763 - 1826): Quintet No. 1 in E flat major:
• 1 Danzi: Quintet No. 1 in E flat major: I. Allegretto 07:31
• 2 Danzi: Quintet No. 1 in E flat major: II. Andante 06:54
• 3 Danzi: Quintet No. 1 in E flat major: III. Minuetto. Allegretto 02:52
• 4 Danzi: Quintet No. 1 in E flat major: IV. Allegretto 04:00
• Quintet No. 2 in B minor:
• 5 Danzi: Quintet No. 2 in B minor: I. Larghetto – Allegretto 08:29
• 6 Danzi: Quintet No. 2 in B minor: II. Andantino 05:03
• 7 Danzi: Quintet No. 2 in B minor: III. Minuetto. Allegretto 02:36
• 8 Danzi: Quintet No. 2 in B minor: IV. Allegretto 03:32
• Quintet No. 3 in D major:
• 9 Danzi: Quintet No. 3 in D major: I. Allegretto 05:45
• 10 Danzi: Quintet No. 3 in D major: II. Minuetto. Allegretto 02:51
• 11 Danzi: Quintet No. 3 in D major: III. Larghetto 02:33
• 12 Danzi: Quintet No. 3 in D major: IV.Allegro 04:14
• Total Runtime 56:20

Info for Franz Danzi: Flute Quintets op. 50

The fact that the name and work of the Baden court Kapellmeister Franz Danzi enjoy the highest regard, particularly amongst wind quintet players, is only to be expected given the nature of his catalogue of works, in which no fewer than three sets of three compositions for this ensemble invite further exploration. It seems that this industrious man had a particular fondness for ‘wind’ instruments – especially the flute, which he featured in three sets with two, three and four strings. Having enriched our catalogue a few weeks ago with the three flute trios, Op. 71, we now present another distinctive collection penned by Danzi – the three quintets, Op. 50 – which subtly bridges the gap between the outer reaches of the Classical period and the realms of the earliest Romantic era: Whilst the first piece in E-flat major is unquestionably one of those delightful, gallant works, the subsequent B minor quintet is cast in the soft shadows of a new era, whereupon the predominantly dance-like mood of the final work – interrupted by an expressive larghetto – brings the cycle to a close with a touch of nostalgia.

Ardinghello Ensemble

The Ardinghello Ensemble
is captivated by an artistic philosophy that elevates fantasy, imagination, sensuality, and subjectivity to a guiding principle of life.

The Ardinghello Ensemble performs chamber music from the Classical and Romantic eras. Its focus lies on the works of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven, as well as those of their contemporaries, influences, and successors. The ensemble’s journey of discovery—seeking the "distant sound" of the Romantics and their visions—also encompasses lesser-known yet compelling and expressive compositions.

Based in Freiburg, the ensemble comprises flautist Karl Kaiser, violinist Annette Rehberger, violist Sebastian Wohlfarth, and cellist Johannes Berger. For quintet programs, they are joined by Anna Kaiser on violin and viola.

The Ardinghello Ensemble pursues a distinctive interpretive approach that bridges historically informed performance practice and modern aesthetics. Their interpretations are shaped by the study of source materials and research into the intellectual climate of the respective eras. Ultimately, however, the concert experience centers on an emotional connection to established musical works—music that, through vibrant performance, is continually transformed into a living, expressive art form relevant to the present day.

The Ardinghello Ensemble regularly releases CDs featuring chamber music works—most of which represent world-premiere recordings. They also produce recordings of well-known works, bringing fresh interpretive ideas to the music. Their most recent release—Mozart’s five quartets for flute and string trio—was honored in May 2024 with the prestigious *Diapason d'Or* and hailed as a "new benchmark recording."

Booklet for Franz Danzi: Flute Quintets op. 50