Mozart, String Quintet in B flat major, K.174 (Mozartwoche 2001)

The String Quintet K. 174 is a product of Mozart's Salzburg years, and was written in 1774. It was Mozart's first string quintet and was perhaps written under the influence of Joseph Haydn's less well-known brother Michael. Ever since its founding in 1979, the Wiener Streichsextett (Vienna String Sextet) has ranked among the most distinguished chamber music ensembles in the international musical world. The six musicians - three of them are actually Viennese - discovered their enjoyment in making music together in their student days. The ensemble has been playing in the formation presented here since 1982. This live recording documents the debut of the ensemble at the Mozartwoche in Salzburg.