Deeply inspired by the works of
Mozart and
Haydn, particularly in his earlier works, the compositions of Johann Wilhelm Wilms had largely fallen into oblivion. Many of his works remain unpublished even now, and listeners must rely on rare recordings such as this one to get a glimpse at Wilms' extensive output. This Ars Produktion album features two early works: the C major Piano Concerto, Op. 12, and the E flat major Symphony, Op. 14. The influence of
Mozart and
Haydn with regards to formal handling, melodic development, and motivic treatment can clearly be heard. But Wilms was not without his own intricacies and idiomatic nuances. Listeners will notice Wilms frequently shifting what listeners expect, always keeping them just a bit unsure of where he's going to take the music next. The Flute Concerto, Op. 24, is a slightly more mature work, which, though still showing the influence of
Haydn and
Mozart, finds Wilms breaking off onto his own even more. The three works are perfomed by the
Kölner Akademie under the direction of
Michael Alexander Willens. The sound is quite warm and graceful while maintaining a sense of Classical lightness and joviality. Fortepianist
Paolo Giacometti and flutist Martin Sandhoff round out the admirable performance with tight, unfettered dialogue with the attentive orchestra.