FERDINAND RIES (1784-1838): Complete Flute Quartets - 3 Flute Quartets, Op. 145, 3 Flute Quartets, WoO 35.

Description: Ries' op. 145 quartets integrate the flute into the string trio, producing the equivalent of a Beethovenian string quartet where one of the instruments is a wind instrument. No soloistic capers for the flute - or, better to say that it is, at best, first among equals in what is serious, early Romantic chamber music. The quartets without opus number may be later (the notes here suggest 1825-30 as a possible date for both sets) and are more rigorous, concert stage type works of greater seriousness and sophistication. This is the only available recording of the WoO quartets. 2 CDs. Oxalys.