Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Mikhail Glinka, Louis Spohr :: Mozart Variations

Harpist Emily Mitchell's disc of Mozart pieces arranged for harp and works by Spohr and Glinka based on Mozartean themes is a delight for harp connoisseurs and an off-the-beaten-path treat for the rest of us. Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 12 is played in Mitchell's adaptation of the piano part of Mozart's own reduced version of the piece for piano and string quartet. It's surprising how well the harp suits the Concerto and the piano Fantasy in D minor. The Spohr Duo Sonata is a first recording of the original, written for Mrs. Spohr, a harpist. Here, Mitchell combines with sweet-toned violinist Arturo Delmoni to get the most out of a charming piece whose second movement is a potpourri of themes from The Magic Flute. The smaller works make for pleasant listening. This is a CD to turn to for solace after a tough day. It's a peaceful, civilized oasis in a turbulent world. --Dan Davis