Grand Septet : Work information

Composers
Conradin Kreutzer ( Music, Images,)
Performed by
Nash Ensemble

This work

Work name
Grand Septet
Work number
Op. 62
Key
E flat
Genre
A
Composed
1822-01-01 02:00:00

This recording

Label
CRD
Producer
Simon Lawman
Engineer
Bob Auger
Recording date
n/a

The Composers

Conradin Kreutzer

Track listing

  • Adagio - Allegro 8:10 min
  • Adagio 7:57 min
  • Minuet: Moderato 3:36 min
  • Andante 5:05 min
  • Scherzo 3:24 min
  • Finale: Allegro vivace 4:44 min

Notes

In 1799 Beethoven wrote a Septet (op. 20) that proved particularly popular. So successful was Beethoven' s op. 20, in fact, that the unusual instrumentation it employed became a standard Septet ensemble. Thus in 1822, Kreutzer, a composer mostly of opera, chose for his Septet the same combination of clarinet, horn, bassoon, vioin, viola, cello and double bass.

The Septet, with its rhythmic vibrancy and subtle colourings, is one of Kreutzer's greatest achievements outside the sphere of opera. Of the six movements, the serious Andante with its horn calls, and the shimmering frivolity of the Scherzo are particularly attractive, but there are many delights throughout this charming Septet.