Unknown Septets by Franz Berwald and Adolphe Blanc
On today’s Radio Romantica, we bring you a varied programme of little-known chamber music. We’ll start off with the Septet by Swedish composer Franz Berwald. Inspired by Beethoven, Berwald nevertheless developed a light Romantic style of his own, with a warm, approachable character and the occasional unexpected twist.
The septet by Adolphe Blanc (pictured) is its French counterpart. Blanc, too, drew inspiration from Beethoven, while giving the music a gentle, approachable character that proved popular in the Parisian salons around 1860.
To round off the programme, we hear a delightful work by Berwald for three wind instruments and piano. For many listeners, this will be a first encounter with this fascinating music.
Playlist:
- Franz Berwald – Groot Septet in Bes
Wigmore Soloists - Adolphe Blanc – Septet in E
Consortium Classicum - Franz Berwald – Kwartet voor piano en blazers: Finale: Allegro con spirito
Gaudier Ensemble
