All of the 24 Reicha Woodwind Quintets are now available! CD261, CD262, CD263, CD264, CD265, CD266, CD267, CD268, CD269, CD270, CD271, & CD272:

We feel so strongly that everyone should hear this fantastic music, that we are offering, for a limited time, the entire 12-CD box set of all 24 Reicha Quintets, for just $128 (over 13 hours of glorious music), and U.S. shipping is FREE!  Individual CDs are $19.95 each, if you prefer to try just one for starters. 

 

"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: all 24 Quintets in 12 CDs released 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, and they are all now available.

Anton Reicha (1770-1836), one of the most respected composers of the period, was a friend of Beethoven & Haydn. He was Professor of counterpoint 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 and all 24 quintets are now available.; Vol. 1 (the last of the series) was released in March of 2012. 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."

EXTRA SPECIAL for a limited time: 12-CD SET OF ALL 24 REICHA WOODWIND QUINTETS, OVER 13 HOURS OF GORGEOUS MUSIC, in an attractive box set, ONLY $128.  (U.S. shipping is FREE, or $14 Canadian shipping, or $20 other countries) Reicha Box Set CD260  BUY NOW 

 

Individual CDs are $19.95 each. See below for information on each of the 12 CDs and to order individual ones. U.S. shipping is FREE for any size order. Canadian shipping is US$14 for any size order. Other countries shipping is US$20 for any size order.

 

 

CD261: ANTON REICHA Woodwind Quintets, Vol. 1, Opus 88, Nos. 1 & 2. Westwood Wind Quintet  UPC 009414726124   BUY NOW   

This, volume one, was the 12th and final release of the 24 Reicha Woodwind Quintets. We are pleased that we now have all 24 of the Reicha Woodwind Quintets performed by the Westwood Wind Quintet. This volume has the first two of Reicha's Quintets, including the most popular op. 88, no. 2. Although the two quintets in this volume are shorter and a bit lighter than the other 22 quintets, they are still masterpieces, symphonic in scope. Opus 88, no. 1 is 21:28 in length. Opus 88, no. 2 is 26:55 in length. They are both mature works, and have Reicha's signature beautiful melodies, exciting counterpoint, and thrilling allegros.  ".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). 

 

The Westwood Wind Quintet has garnered exceptional praise for the series of Reicha Quintets. About a previous volume in the Westwood Wind Quintet 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."

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 E Minor   Mvmt 1   Mvmt 2   Mvmt 3   Mvmt 4    Quintet in Eb Major   Mvmt 1   Mvmt 2   Mvmt 3   Mvmt 4

 

 

 

CD262: ANTON REICHA Woodwind Quintets, Vol. 2, Opus 88, Nos. 3 & 4. Performed by the  Westwood Wind Quintet  UPC 009414726223   BUY NOW   

This is the tenth CD recorded 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, established in 1959, 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)

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.    BUY 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

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: ANTON REICHA Woodwind Quintets, Vol. 4, Opus 91, Nos. 1 & 2. Performed by the Westwood Wind Quintet. UPC 009414726421  BUY NOW

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  

 

Sound samples mp3 files) Click on the link to hear up to one minute of the movement shown

Quintet in C Major, opus 91, no. 1: Mvt.1 Allegro moderato/Andante/Tempo primo   Mvt.2 Andante   Mvt.3 Menuetto   Mvt.4 Finale     Quintet in A Minor, opus 91, no. 2: Mvt.1 Adagio/Allegro assai   Mvt.2 Andante   Mvt.3 Menuetto   Mvt.4 Finale

 

CD265: ANTON REICHA Woodwind Quintets, Vol. 5, Opus 91, Nos. 3 & 4. Performed by the Westwood Wind Quintet.  UPC 009414726520  BUY NOW

"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

CD265 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 D Major, opus 91, no. 3: Mvt.1 Lento; Allegro Assai   Mvt.2 Adagio   Mvt.3 Menuetto. Allegro vivo   Mvt.4 Finale. Allegretto     Quintet in G Minor, opus 91, no. 4: Mvt.1 Andante; Allegro Assai   Mvt.2 Adagio cantabile   Mvt.3 Menuetto. Allegro   Mvt.4 Finale

CD266: ANTON REICHA Woodwind Quintets,Vol. 6, Opus 91, Nos. 5 & 6. Performed by the Westwood Wind Quintet. UPC 009414726629   BUY NOW

"The performances radiate affection for the music and technical virtuosity. This delightful disc rates a high recommendation."  Story, Fanfare Magazine  

CD266 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 Major, opus 91, no. 5: Mvt.1 Allegro   Mvt.2 Poco Adagio   Mvt.3 Menuetto. Allegro   Mvt.4 Finale. Allegro Vivace     Quintet in C Minor, opus 91, no. 6: Mvt.1 Marcia. Poco Adagio; Allegro Vivace   Mvt.2 Larghetto   Mvt.3 Menuetto. Vivace   Mvt.4 Finale

CD267: ANTON REICHA Woodwind Quintets, Vol. 7, Opus 99, Nos. 1 & 2. Performed by the Westwood Wind Quintet.  UPC 009414726728  BUY NOW

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 

CD267 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 C Major, opus 99, no. 1: Mvt.1 Lento; Allegro   Mvt.2 Andante   Mvt.3 Menuetto. Allegro scherzo   Mvt.4 Finale     Quintet in F Minor, opus 91, no. 2:Mvt.1 Larghetto; Allegro   Mvt.2 Andante   Mvt.3 Menuetto   Mvt.4 Finale

 

CD268: ANTON REICHA Woodwind Quintets, Vol. 8, Op. 99, Nos. 3 & 4.  Performed by the Westwood Wind Quintet UPC 009414726827    BUY NOW   

This was the 7th release in the 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 they are all now available on Crystal Records. 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.

CD268 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 Major, opus 99, no. 3: Mvt.1 Lento; Allegro   Mvt.2 Andante   Mvt.3 Menuetto. Allegro   Mvt.4 Finale. Andante; Allegro poco vivace     Quintet in D Major, opus 91, no. 4:Mvt.1 Andante; Allegro spirituoso   Mvt.2 Poco lento   Mvt.3 Menuetto. Scherzo   Mvt.4 Finale. Allegro assai

 

 

CD269: ANTON REICHA Woodwind Quintets, Vol. 9, Opus 99, Nos. 5 & 6. Performed by the Westwood Wind Quintet. )  UPC 009414726926  BUY NOW

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 (Jonathan Woolf)

CD269 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 B Minor, opus 99, no. 5: Mvt.1 Andante; Allegro   Mvt.2 Andante   Mvt.3 Menuetto. Allegro   Mvt.4 Finale. Lento; Allegro spirituoso     Quintet in G Major, opus 99, no. 6: Mvt.1 Andante; Allegro poco vivo   Mvt.2 Air en fantaisie. Andante   Mvt.3 Menuetto. Allegro   Mvt.4 Finale. Allegro vivo

CD270: ANTON REICHA Woodwind Quintets,Vol. 10, Opus 100, Nos. 1 & 2.  Performed by the Westwood Wind Quintet. 
This was the eighth release in Crystal Records' series of Anton Reicha's 24 woodwind quintets. (Released November 2009.)  UPC 009414727022 BUY NOW

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: ANTON REICHA Woodwind Quintets,Vol. 11, Opus 100, Nos. 3 & 4.  Performed by the Westwood Wind Quintet.  UPC 009414727121 BUY NOW

This was the sixth release in Crystal Records' series of Anton Reicha's 24 woodwind quintets. (Released Sept. 2008.) 

The Westwood Wind Quintet has now recorded all 24 of the 24 quintets, and they are available on 12 CDs individually or in a box set.  

"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) 

CD269 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 B Minor, opus 99, no. 5: Mvt.1 Andante; Allegro   Mvt.2 Andante   Mvt.3 Menuetto. Allegro   Mvt.4 Finale. Lento; Allegro spirituoso     Quintet in G Major, opus 99, no. 6: Mvt.1 Andante; Allegro poco vivo   Mvt.2 Air en fantaisie. Andante   Mvt.3 Menuetto. Allegro   Mvt.4 Finale. Allegro vivo

 

 

 CD272: ANTON REICHA Woodwind Quintets, Vol. 12, Opus 100, Nos. 5 & 6. Performed by the Westwood Wind Quintet. ”> UPC 009414727220  BUY 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. 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." International Record Review.

 

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)

 

The Horn Call (Eldon Matlock, reviewer) said ‘The soloists of the Westwood Quintet are magnificent performers, and it is a joy to hear such a long-standing ensemble present these marvelous works

 

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

 

BONUS: To have a little joy to help alleviate CoronaVirus anxiety, hear the entire mvt. 3 of Quintet 100 No. 5.  Reicha Quintet, op. 100, no. 5 in A minor, mvt. 3 Minuetto, and the entire mvt. 1 Reicha Quintet in A Minor Opus 100, no.5, Mvt. I

 

 

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 available for ordering on-line. If the item says BUY NOW click on those words and go to our shopping bag. If you wish, you may instead order via e-mail, info@crystalrecords.com, or place your order by phone at 360-834-7022. Price of all CDs is $19.95. (the Reicha set is $128 for 12 CDs) U.S. shipping is FREE. Canada shipping is US$14 Other countries, shipping is US20 per order, regardless of the size of the 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 Buy Now buttons. Before checking out you will be given an opportunity to write a comment to go with your order. In the "leave a comment" 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.   PLEASE NOTE: Because the 12-CD set of Reicha CDs is already discounted below cost and is sold as a set, we cannot give a further discount of 4 for 3 for the CDs in that set.

 

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