In Max Reger's sesquicentenary year, Robert Oberaigner and the Fritz Busch Quartet present the clarinet quintets of both Max Reger and Johannes Brahms.

Robert Oberaigner and the Fritz Busch Quartet masterfully bring the "shine of old gold" of the Sächsische Staatskapelle to chamber music, as though these pieces were written for them especially.

Max Reger's Clarinet Quintet, his last completed work, breathes the spirit of a composer who has led a fulfilled musical life. Reger is inspired by Brahms, of course, but even more so by Mozart, whose quintet set the standard for generations. Reger chooses the theme of his variation movement entirely in the style of Mozart - only to deconstruct it in typical Reger style. His sumptuous chromaticism shines brilliantly with the perfect intonation of the Dresdeners.

Johannes Brahms began writing for the clarinet late in life, and with his Clarinet Quintet he created one of the most beautiful chamber works of the ninteenth century. The five musicians' years of experience performing together as members of the Sächsische Staatskapelle manifests wonderfully in the Brahms quintet. The clarinet melts into the warm sound of the strings one moment and explores expressive stratospheres the next, at times ecstatic, at others filled with Weltschmerz. Brahms does not shy away from the extreme registers of the instrument - its wailing and purring enrapture the listener.

Robert Oberaigner has been celebrated by audiences and critics alike with Reger's complete works for clarinet and piano as well as the sonatas and trio by Johannes Brahms. Once again, the quintets are lovingly produced to the highest technical standards on Super Audio CD. The superb quality of sound allows the listener to hear even the most subtle of nuances in the music.