Franz Berwald - Grand Septet (1828)
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ก.ค. 2024
- Franz Adolf Berwald (23 July 1796 - 3 April 1868) was a Swedish Romantic composer. He made his living as an orthopedist and later as the manager of a saw mill and glass factory, and became more appreciated as a composer after his death than he had been in his lifetime.
Please support my channel:
ko-fi.com/bartjebartmans
Septet for clarinet, bassoon, horn, violin, viola, cello & double-bass in B-flat major, "Grand" (1817 rev. 1828)
Dedicated: Ernst Leonard Schlegel
1. Adagio - Allegro molto (0:00)
2. Poco Adagio (7:48)
3. Prestissimo (11:59)
4. Finale: Allegro con spirito
Nash Ensemble
Live Radio performance
Description by Mona DeQuis [-]
Franz Berwald's Grand Septet, dedicated to Ernst Leonard Schlegel, is thought to be a reconstruction of an effort dating from 1818. Evidently, an earlier incarnation was not very successful, receiving an unfavorable review at its first performance, and impressions seem not to have improved after a second hearing more than a year later. That is difficult to believe, because this is a thoroughly delightful work in the early Romantic style of Johann Nepomuk Hummel, Felix Mendelssohn, Franz Schubert, and Louis Spohr.
It is obvious in this piece, and in others by Berwald, that he loved to use many short tunes. His works are chock full of melodies that are not long spun-out themes, but rather motivic fragments with potential for development. Structurally, the first movement, Adagio -- Allegro molto, is in the typical sonata-allegro form, with a twist. The lovely harmonic progression of the first theme, following a noble slow introduction underscored by pizzicatos in the strings, is heavenly. Berwald's transitions are just as interesting, if not more so, than the actual theme groups. He possessed a knack, much like Beethoven's, for manipulating and developing thematic material. The second theme in the clarinet complements the first theme rather than contrasting with it. Most traditional development sections tend to utilize previously heard material, but here Berwald introduces new theme fragments. The above-mentioned structural twist occurs with the appearance of the second theme before an actual recapitulation. The first theme finally arrives, but is followed by yet another statement of that charming second theme. Berwald expertly balances moments of calm and repose with agitated fervor.
The second movement, Poco adagio -- Prestissimo -- Adagio, is innovative in that, about four minutes into this section, Berwald drops a jaunty little scherzo, with a fugue no less, between the two adagios. This is a technique he used in the slow movement of his masterful Symphony No. 3 in C ("Sinfonie singulière), some 17 years later. The finale, Allegro con spirito, has an almost comically melodramatic quality that takes it further from the intimacy of chamber music and more toward the symphonic or operatic. Even during the moments of emotional intensity, Berwald seems to have his tongue firmly planted in cheek. There is plenty of fun-loving syncopation contributing to the highjinks as each instrument plays its "role." Again, as is so often the case with Berwald's music, there are many enchanting yet fleeting melodies. While not quite in the same class as Beethoven's Septet in E flat major or Schubert's Octet in F major (both for clarinet, horn, bassoon, and strings), this piece is an endearing introduction to the man many believe to be the greatest Swedish composer of the nineteenth century. - เพลง
First time listening to this composer and WOW
I've long been fascinated by Berwald's 4 symphonies, and thought I would listen to a bit of this, and ended up hearing the whole piece. It's wonderful. I find his music a little bit quirky, but always interesting.
So glad to have this recording, and with the score!
I often visualize children when listening to Berwald. Children having the best childhood. It's pretty safe but not due to unneccesary rules!
Wow so nice!
What interesting music. One of my favourite "crossover" eras, from classical to romantic. A whole plethora of lesser known composers trying to make their mark on the scene. Thanks for the upload.
Magnificent septet !
Nice
It saddens me to read, that Franz A. Berwald was not granted the recognition he deserved during his lifetime. Never having heard of him previously ... he will stay impregnated in my mind from now on. Thank you for always giving attention to such remarkable yet neglected composers.
mooie upload Bartje
16:53 Finale
I'm feeling that the players were not in their best shape and it affects the music :(. It really sounds like a beautiful unique piece, but the little intonation problems and overall "dark", "close" sonority don't do it justice. it sounds like they are very insecure and affraid of the music. I believe they may be wonderful musicians, just not well prepared for this live radio show...
Thak you for the upload, tho, and as always congratulations on the editing effort!
First of all this is a live performance, 2nd there is NO copyright on the recording. The latter is very important as some of Berwald's recordings are blocked world wide. All in all a good enough performance to upload. I used to have this on an old Turnabout LP with Kalkbrenner Septet on the other side.
@@bartjebartmans Yes, i understand that. I agree, it's good enough, and as the only non copyrighted option, it works well.