Quintette Pour Clarinette K.581, Quatuor À Cordes K.156

Released in 1980 by the French classical label Calliope, this recording features the Talich Quartet, a renowned Czech ensemble founded in 1964, joined by clarinetist Bohuslav Zahradník. The album pairs Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet in A Major, K. 581, with his String Quartet in G Major, K. 156. This release is part of a broader catalog that solidified the Talich Quartet's reputation for precision, clarity, and an authentic approach to the classical repertoire, particularly the works of their compatriots and the Viennese masters.

The recording reflects the high standards of production associated with Calliope, an independent label dedicated to high-fidelity chamber music captures during the late 20th century. By the time this pressing was produced, the Talich Quartet had already established its signature sound—characterized by balanced textures and restrained, nuanced phrasing—which served to highlight the melodic elegance of K. 581 and the structural wit of the early K. 156. It remains a representative artifact of the European chamber music tradition during the late vinyl era.