Beethoven: Septet, Op. 20 & Clarinet Trio, Op. 11 - RES10255

Beethoven: Septet, Op. 20 & Clarinet Trio, Op. 11

£12.99
Total playing time [60:04]

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Berkeley Ensemble

The Berkeley Ensemble returns with this album of chamber works by Ludwig van Beethoven celebrating the composer’s 250th anniversary year.

Written in 1798, when he was already well-known in Vienna as a remarkable and ambitious composer, his Op. 11 Trio uses the rare combination of clarinet, cello and piano. Completing the programme is the original scoring of his Septet, Op.20 for wind and strings. Written in 1800, this large-scale work stands as a lasting achievement unmatched by any other septet before or since.

Album Booklet (PDF)

Tracklist

Septet in E-flat major, Op. 20
1. Adagio – Allegro con brio
2. Adagio cantabile
3. Tempo di Menuetto & Trio
4. Andante con Variazioni
5. Scherzo & Trio
6. Andante con moto alla Marcia – Presto


Trio for Clarinet, Cello and Piano
in B-flat major, Op. 11 ‘Gassenhauer’
7. Allegro con brio
8. Adagio
9. Tema con variazioni

“

'There’s a lightness to this performance, but also firm sonority at the outset, with an organ-like quality in the underlying harmonies. Balance and warmth of texture are strengths throughout […] it’s bubbling with energy, and there’s not a weak link among the players.'

- BBC Music Magazine

'There’s a lightness to this performance, but also firm sonority at the outset, with an organ-like quality in the underlying harmonies. Balance and warmth of texture are strengths throughout […] it’s bubbling with energy, and there’s not a weak link among the players.'
BBC Music Magazine

'I don’t know a bad recording of Beethoven’s Septet, and this is another good one. The Berkeleys [...] produce a smooth, elegant ensemble sound, and provide a spirited reading of this early gem. They play with a polish the old Melos Ensemble could only have dreamed of. Recommended.'
Fanfare

'[The] Septet is given a fine reading with great clarity throughout.'
Lark Reviews

© 2020 Resonus Limited
Ⓟ 2020 Resonus Limited
Catalogue No. RES10255
Producer, engineer & editor: Adam Binks
EAN: 5060262792025
Cover image Beethoven in Paris (Rue de la Verrerie) by SpankyNew (flickr.com, Creative Commons)
Release date: 31 January 2020