THE HUNT
The wind quintet line-up appeared just a little late for consideration by the major classical composers. It was not until Reicha and Danzi came along in the early 1800s that it began to be recognised as an ensemble. Although since that time there have been some wonderful works composed specifically for quintet, there have also been a lot of arrangements, made to fill out the earlier repertoire. String quartets, of course, have a rich supply of musically satisfying works, many of which have been converted for quintets to play - with varying degrees of success.
Mozart's 'The Hunt' however is a major achievement in this arrangement by Geoffrey Emerson. It is done by someone who knows intimately how each instrument, and instrumentalist, works. Many string quartets have passages ('scrubbing, pizzicato, string-crossing arpeggios and the like) that don't translate musically for wind instruments. These he refuses to arrange as they will never sound convincing.
'The Hunt' however is a supremely wonderful and satisfying musical experience for wind players. If you only try one - try this one!
June Emerson
E28 Mozart 'The Hunt' K458 string quartet
arranged by Geoffrey Emerson for wind quintet
