Now available! CD262, CD263, CD264, CD265, CD266, CD267, CD268, CD269, CD270, CD271, & CD272:

"Each [Reicha Woodwind Quintet] is a masterpiece of the highest order. Those who ignore this legacy are missing out not only on some terrific wind music but on some of the finest music ever penned. These pieces are symphonies in miniature, not only in complexity but also in length – 40 minutes is not unusual." Ritter, Audiophile Audition.

Now available: 22 Quintets in the first eleven releases in Crystal Records' series of Reicha's monumental 24 woodwind quintets, which are beautiful works, symphonic in scope. Most are 35-40 minutes long, and all hold the listener's attention with their gorgeous slow movements and thrilling allegros and scherzos. The Westwood Wind Quintet has now recorded all 24 of the 24 quintets, with 22 now on these eleven CDs. We will be releasing the remaining Reicha quintets on CD as production is completed.

Anton Reicha (1770-1836), one of the most respected composers of the period, was a friend of Beethoven & Haydn. He was Professor of ounterpoint at the Paris Conservatory and teacher of Berlioz, Franck, Gounod, & Liszt. These 24 quintets are his masterworks.

The Westwood Wind Quintet captures the glory of these wonderful pieces. This recording project is now complete. There are 11 CDs with 22 quintets now availalble.; Vol. 1 (the last of the series) will be released within a few months. We hope the series will increase the recognition of this giant of the 19^th century. His music has great depth of feeling and strong emotions. These are profound and beautiful works.

Of the Westwood Wind Quintet, which has performed actively for 50 years, famed conductor Robert Shaw wrote "one listens to this ensemble as one listens to the finest of string quartets. It is a complete and completely satisfying experience." Gramophone Magazine called the Westwood Wind Quintet "a magnificent American group. Superlative playing."

CD262, Anton Reicha Woodwind Quintets, vol. 2 – op. 88, nos. 3 & 4. Westwood Wind Quintet. UPC 009414726223. ORDER NOW

This is the tenth CD in the 12-CD series of the 24 Woodwind Quintets of Anton Reicha. These quintets continue to garner the highest praise from musicians and critics. These 24 quintets are a pinnacle of achievement, “glorious quintets…constant freshness, a feeling of unquenchable invention…with radiant good humour. The Westwood Wind Quintet has a standard of ensemble playing that is nothing short of breathtaking.” (International Record Review)

The Westwood Wind Quintet, now in its 52nd season, is “one of the finest wind quintets in the world” (International Double Reed Society Journal). “One listens to the Westwood Wind Quintet as one listens to the finest of string quartets. It is a complete and completely satisfying musical experience.” (Robert Shaw, formerly conductor, Atlanta Symphony)

CD262 Sound samples (mp3 files) Click on the link to hear up to 35 seconds of the movement shown.

 Quintet in G Major    Mvmt 1 Mvmt 2 Mvmt 3 Mvmt 4    Quintet in D Minor Mvmt 1 Mvmt 2 Mvmt 3 Mvmt 4 (to return to this page after listening to samples, please use your browser back button)

CD263, Anton Reicha Woodwind Quintets, vol. 3: opus 88, nos. 5 & 6. Performed by the Westwood Wind Quintet. UPC 009414726322. ORDER NOW

This was the 9th CD released in the 12-CD series of the 24 complete woodwind quintets by Anton Reicha.

“each Reicha Quintet is a masterpiece of the highest order. Those who ignore this legacy are missing out not only on some terrific wind music but on some of the finest music ever penned. These pieces are symphonies in miniature...each one a masterpiece.” Audiophile Audition (Ritter)

"The players seek, find, and reveal the numerous qualities that have kept Reicha’s Quintets alive for almost two centuries...performances radiate affection for the music and technical virtuosity. Exceptional recordings." --– Fanfare.

“…the Westwood Wind Quintet is one of the finest wind quintets in the world. Their ensemble is wonderfully precise, clear and always exciting…when they play, the music truly comes alive.” International Double Reed Society Journal (Klimko)

“probably the best group of this kind anywhere” New Orleans Courier

CD263 Sound samples (mp3 files) Click on the link to hear up to 35 seconds of the movement shown.
Quintet in Bb Major, opus 88, no.5    Mvmt 1 Mvmt 2 Mvmt 3 Mvmt 4 Quintet in F Major, opus 88, no.6    Mvmt 1 Mvmt 2 Mvmt 3 Mvmt 4 (to return to this page after listening to samples, please use your browser back button)

CD264: Reicha: Woodwind Quintets Vol 4: opus 91, nos. 1 & 2. Performed by the Westwood Wind Quintet.
This was the fifth release in Crystal Records' series of Anton Reicha's 24 woodwind quintets. "Reicha...infused content of superb musical worth. Those who ignore this legacy are missing out not only on some terrific wind music but on some of the finest music ever penned. These pieces are symphonies in miniature, not only in complexity but in length – 40 minutes is not unusual. If you are collecting this series, you can certainly continue with confidence, and all others would do well to dip their hands into Reicha's clean waters." Steven Ritter, Audiophile Audition UPC 00941472642-1 ORDER NOW

Sound samples (uses RealPlayer) Click on the link to hear up to one minute of the movement shown

Quintet in C Major, opus 91, no. 1: Allegro moderato/Andante/Tempo primo Menuetto Rondo Finale Quintet in A Minor, opus 91, no. 2: Adagio/Allegro assai Andante Menuetto Finale

CD265: Reicha Woodwind Quintets Vol 5: opus 91, nos. 3 & 4. Performed by the Westwood Wind Quintet. "Westwood's members succeed in capturing the unique qualities of Reicha's quintets and do so in a manner that indicates their admiration and respect for the repertoire. The players seek, find, and reveal the numerous qualities that have kept this repertoire alive for almost two centuries." Carter, Fanfare Magazine UPC 00941472652-0 ORDER NOW

Sound samples (uses RealPlayer) Click on the link to hear up to one minute of the movement shown.
Opus 91, no. 3 Mvmt 1 Mvmt 2 Mvmt 3 Mvmt 4 Opus 91, no. 4 Mvmt 1 Mvmt 2 Mvmt 3 Mvmt 4

CD266: Reicha Woodwind Quintets Vol 6: opus 91, nos. 5 & 6. Performed by the Westwood Wind Quintet. "The performances radiate affection for the music and technical virtuosity. This delightful disc rates a high recommendation." Story, Fanfare Magazine UPC 00941472662-9 ORDER NOW

Sound samples (uses RealPlayer) Click on the link to hear up to one minute of the movement shown..
Quintet in A Major, opus 91, no. 5  Mvmt 1 Mvmt 2 Mvmt 3 Mvmt 4 Quintet in C minor, opus 91, no. 6: Mvmt 1 Mvmt 2 Mvmt 3 Mvmt 4

CD267: Reicha Woodwind Quintets Vol 7: opus 99, nos. 1 & 2. Performed by the Westwood Wind Quintet.
This was the third release in Crystal's exciting project of recording the complete 24 Reicha Woodwind Quintets. "..both the ear and intellect are gratified by these quintets. The performances are worthy of the Westwood Wind Quintet's reputation." Raymond Tuttle, International Record Review UPC 00941472672-8 ORDER NOW

Sound samples for CD267. (uses RealPlayer) Click on the link to hear up to one minute of the movement shown.
Reicha Quintet in C Major, opus 99, no.1 Mvt. 1 Mvt. 2 Mvt. 3 Mvt. 4 Quintet in F Minor, opus 99, no.2 Mvt. 1 Mvt. 2 Mvt. 3 Mvt. 4

CD268: Anton Reicha, Woodwind Quintets vol. 8: op. 99, nos. 3 & 4. Performed by the Westwood Wind Quintet

This was the 7th release in the on-going series of 12 CDs of the 24 woodwind quintets by Anton Reicha. (released July 2009) The Westwood Wind Quintet has completed the recordings of all 24 quintets and Crystal Records will be releasing the rest of them as production is completed. Reicha (1770-1836) was one of the most respected composers of his time. He was a friend of Beethoven and Haydn, and was the teacher of Berlioz, Liszt, Gounod, and Franck. UPC 00941472682-7. ORDER NOW

Sound samples (uses RealPlayer) Click on the link to hear up to one minute of the movement shown.
Reicha Quintet in A Major, opus 99, no. 3 Mvt. 1: Lento; Allegro Mvt. 2: Andante Mvt. 3: Menuetto. Allegro Mvt. 4: Finale. Allegro assai Quintet in D Major, opus 99, no. 4 Mvt. 1: Andante; Allegro spirituoso Mvt. 2: Poco lento Mvt. 3: Menuetto. Scherzo Mvt. 4. Finale. Allegro assai

CD269: Reicha Woodwind Quintets Vol 9: opus 99, nos. 5 & 6. Performed by the Westwood Wind Quintet.
This was the fourth release of Reicha quintets. "Crystal Record's devotion to Reicha's woodwind quintets is estimable. [These works] are big, sonorous and large-scale ones published in 1822 and fully deserving of reclamation in such expert hands as these. The opening of Op.99 No.5 floats in with the most beautiful and well balanced Andante – a Siciliano of dappled loveliness. The ensuing tumbling, flowing and exciting extroversion is the perfect riposte: an Allegro of ravenous yet decorous masculinity. It shows how finely perched these works are between introspection and well-wrought, technically accomplished self-projection. They're also formally always of the highest interest, playing tricks with harmony, structure, form and keys so subtly that you would barely notice. Reicha was a master of the form and wrote voraciously for woodwind quintet. This series is shaping up to be a major contribution on record...big, symphonic quintets, cleanly delineated, finely played and bursting with classical ideas and expertise." MusicWeb International UPC 00941472692-6 ORDER NOW

Sound samples (uses RealPlayer) Click on the link to hear up to one minute of the movement shown.
Quintet Quintet in C Major, opus 99, no.5 Mvt. 1(Andante/Allegro) Mvt. 2(Andante) Mvt. 3(Menuetto) Mvt. 4(Finale) Quintet in F Minor, opus 99, no.6 Mvt. 1(Andante/Allegro Poco Vivo) Mvt. 2(Air En Fantaisie. Andante) Mvt. 3(Menuetto) Mvt. 4(Finale)

CD270: Reicha: Woodwind Quintets Vol 10: opus 100, nos. 1 & 2. Westwood Wind Quintet.
This was the eighth release in Crystal Records' series of Anton Reicha's 24 woodwind quintets.  (released November 2009) UPC 00941472712-1 ORDER NOW

CD270 Sound samples (mp3 files) Click on the link to hear up to one minute of the movement shown.
Quintet in F, opus 100, no. 1   Mvmt 1 Mvmt 2 Mvmt 3 Mvmt 4     Quintet in D Minor, op 100, no.2  Mvmt 1 Mvmt 2 Mvmt 3 Mvmt 4 (to return to this page after listening to samples, please use your browser back button)

CD271: Reicha: Woodwind Quintets Vol 11: opus 100, nos. 3 & 4. Westwood Wind Quintet.
This was the sixth release in Crystal Records' series of Anton Reicha's 24 woodwind quintets.  (released Sept. 2008) UPC 00941472712-1 ORDER NOW

The Westwood Wind Quintet has now recorded all 24 of the 24 quintets. 11 CDs with 22 of the quintets are now available. The remainder will be released as production is completed, probably within the next 3 or 4 months or so.

“It is seldom that one comes across a recording that with careful listening displays no major flaws, in performance or engineering. This is such a recording. The players understand the music, each other, their instruments, and how they fit into the mix. The result is simply beautiful ensemble playing.” The Flutist Quarterly (Pettway)

Sound samples (uses RealPlayer) Click on the link to hear up to one minute of the movement shown.
Reicha Quintet Opus 100, No. 3 Mvt 1 Mvt 2 Mvt 3 Mvt 4 Opus 100, No. 4 Mvt 1 Mvt 2 Mvt 3 Mvt 4

CD272: Anton Reicha Woodwind Quintets, Vol. 12. Opus 100, Nos. 5 & 6. UPC 009414727220. Westwood Wind Quintet. ORDER NOW

This was the 11th release in the 12 volume set of Reicha Woodwind Quintets (released October 2011). This volume has the last two of Reicha’s monumental 24 woodwind quintets. (there is still one volume to be released in the complete set on Crystal) They are symphonies in scope, “each one a masterpiece…those who ignore this legacy are missing out not only on some terrific wind music but on some of the finest music ever penned.” (Ritter, Audiophile Audition). This CD is just under 80 minutes long.

The two quintets are mature works, with wonderful fugues and counterpoint, along with Reicha’s gorgeous melodies. Reicha was the teacher of Liszt, Berlioz, Adam, Gounod, and Franck, and was one of the most influential and respected composers of the period. “The Westwood Wind quintet has a standard of ensemble playing that is nothing short of breathtaking” (Intl Rcd. Review) About a previous volume (CD271) in the Westwood Wind Quintet’s 12 volume series of the Reicha Woodwind Quintets, the Flutist Quarterly (Pettway) wrote “It is seldom that one comes across a recording that with careful listening displays no major flaws, in performance or engineering. This is such a recording. The players understand the music, each other, their instruments, and how they fit into the mix. The result is simply beautiful ensemble playing.”

About this CD272: “Fantastic playing by all 5 soloists! Virtuosic in the 2nd mvt. variations of the quintet no. 5. Beautiful phrasing, great music making. Calvin Smith his horn playing is smooth-beautiful and he is a one of a kind virtuoso. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE VERY FINE WESTWOOD WIND QUINTET.” – Jose Zarzo, principal horn, Gran Canaria Philharmonic (Spain)

CD272 Sound samples (mp3 files) Click on the link to hear up to 35 seconds of the movement shown.
 (to return to this page after listening to samples, please use your browser back button)
Quintet in A Minor, opus 100, no. 5 Mvmt 1: Lento Mvmt 1: Allegro Mvmt 2: Andante (theme) Variation 1 (horn) Variation 2 (bassoon) Variation 3 (oboe) Variation 4 (clarinet) Variation 5 (flute) Mvmt 3 Mvmt 4 Quintet in Bb Major, opus 100, no. 6 Mvmt 1: Poco adagio Mvmt 1: Allegro Mvmt 2 Mvmt 3 Mvmt 4: Andante Mvmt 4: Allegro assai

MORE REVIEWS ABOUT THIS SPECTACULAR SET OF REICHA QUINTETS BY THE WESTWOOD WIND QUINTET:

"These are glorious quintets...a constant freshness, a feeling of unquenchable invention...with radiant good humour... The Westwood Wind Quintet has a standard of ensemble playing that is nothing short of breathtaking. [It is] something to be cherished." International Record Review.

"The [Westwood Wind Quintet] players seek, find, and reveal the numerous qualities that have kept this repertoire alive for almost two centuries." Fanfare Magazine.

“Wonderful sense of ensemble…It is seldom that one comes across a recording that with careful listening displays absolutely no major flaws, in performance or engineering. This is such a recording. The players understand the music, each other, their instruments, and how they fit into the mix. The result is simply beautiful ensemble playing. The intonation is about as good as it gets when it comes to any chamber music.” Flutist Quarterly

"Reicha's wind quintets...probably always will be regarded as the summit and foundation of the literature. The Westwood Wind Quintet is known far and wide to lovers of this kind of music." Ritter, American Record Guide

Fanfare reviewers have said of this series "only top-notch playing that can only be envied by lesser ensembles. The players seek, find, and reveal the numerous qualities that have kept this repertoire alive for almost two centuries...recording is invigorating, fresh, and imaginative...performances radiate affection for the music and technical virtuosity. Exceptional recordings. Splendid works, splendidly played." – Fanfare Magazine

"This recording displays once again that the Westwood Wind Quintet is one of the finest wind quintets in the world." – International Double Reed Society Journal

"These [are] glorious quintets...technical wizardry informs [Reicha's] structures with a constant freshness, a feeling of unquenchable invention...with radiant good humour. The Westwood Wind Quintet...has a standard of ensemble playing that is nothing short of breathtaking." – International Record Review

"[The Westwood Wind Quintet] was described by the late Robert Shaw as 'a complete and completely satisfying musical experience.' From the evidence of my ears, they [are] ideal for recording what is planned as a complete cycle of Reicha's 24 wind quintets." – Classik Reviews, Atlanta Audio Society

Richard Lesser, the esteemed pricipal clarinetist of the Israel Philharmonic for over 30 years, wrote the following to oboist Peter Christ after hearing these Westwood Wind Quintet recordings of the Reicha Quintets: "Last night I read the program notes, and that really set me up for this morning's enjoyment. The perfection of the ensemble playing – the beginnings, balance and intonation, is absolutely uncanny. The group is so well-honed that it is a supreme pleasure to settle in, sit back and listen to all that beauty. The solo passages are dispatched with such aplomb that one couldn't want anything better. Congratulations to all of you. I am especially moved by your sweet expressive oboe sound."

About the most recent release he wrote "You have all maintained your excellence in this latest release. There are so many treacherous places for intonation, and it all sounds as clean as a whistle. Ensemble is impeccable, individual virtuosity is consistently impressive – flawless, and tossed off with aplomb. It's a great achievement."

All of our CDs are now available for ordering on-line, through our associate CCNow.  If the item says ORDER NOW click on those words and go to our shopping cart.  You are still able to order via e-mail, info@crystalrecords.com., or place your order by phone at 360-834-7022 or on our 24-hour fax line at 360-834-9680.  See information on our main page. Price of all CDs is $16.95. U.S. shipping is $2.00 per order.

Our 4 for 3 offer is now available on-line. When you order 4 CDs, what you need to do is place the order for the first 3 CDs using the Order Now buttons. Before checking out you will be given an opportunity to write a comment to go with your order.   In the "other notes or instructions" space, write FREE CD with the catalog number of the one you want. In that way, you will receive the 4 CDs and only be charged for 3.

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