Così fan tutte, a comic opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart with a libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte, is noted for its sophisticated ensemble writing and Mozart’s nuanced portrayal of the characters’ emotional journeys. The opera’s overture, and arias such as “Come scoglio” and “Un’aura amorosa”, showcase the composer’s melodic genius and ability to convey complex psychological states through music, making it one of Mozart’s most performed and beloved operas, celebrated for its wit, intricate musical textures and insightful commentary on the human condition.
This great opera is here arranged for wind quintet by Ulf-Guido Schäfer, a multiple Echo-Klassik award-winning clarinettist who has held principal posts with the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie (1989–94) and the NDR Radiophilharmonie (1994–present) and boasts a distinguished career as a soloist and chamber musician (in ensemble acht, the Trio Roseau, the NDR’s Arte-Ensemble, and the Ma’alot Quintett).
Schäfer has also made a name for himself as an arranger and composer. He was twice awarded the Echo-Klassik for CDs with the Ma’alot Quintett featuring his arrangements of Dvořák (2006) and Rossini (2010), respectively.
Recorded May 2024 in Trivolzio (Italy).
Booklet in English contains liner notes by Lorenzo Fazzini and a profile of the ensemble.
Mozart’s operas enjoyed such success and popularity in their time, that tunes from them were whistled in the street and arrangements of them were widely spread.
One of the most popular forms of arrangement was for Wind Ensemble, and already during Mozart’s life these were often performed on all kind of occasions.
This new recording presents an arrangement for wind ensemble by Ulf-Guido Schäfer, a highly successful clarinetist, composer and arranger, winner of several ECHO Klassik Awards.
Founded in 2019, the Spiritum Wind Quintet consists of Lorenzo Fazzini (flute), Luca Etzi (oboe), Riccardo Nanni (horn), Vincenzo Riccio (bassoon), and Giacomo Alfano (clarinet). All of them have won prizes in (inter)national competitions, and each enjoys a successful individual solo career.
