Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
Performer: Uwe Grodd, Gould Piano Trio
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Naxos
Catalogue: 8574039
Release: 2019
Size: 1.2 GB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 55 “Eroica” (Arr. J. N. Hummel for Flute & Piano Trio)
01. I. Allegro con brio
02. II. Marcia funebre. Adagio assai
03. III. Scherzo. Allegro vivace
04. IV. Finale. Allegro molto
Symphony No. 1 in C Major, Op. 21 (Arr. J. N. Hummel for Flute & Piano Trio)
05. I. Adagio molto – Allegro con brio
06. II. Andante cantabile con moto
07. III. Menuetto. Allegro molto e vivace
08. IV. Finale. Adagio – Allegro molto e vivace
Beethoven and Hummel’s relationship was one of fractious beginnings, but ultimately true friendship. Between 1825 and 1835 Hummel arranged his contemporarys Symphonies Nos. 17 and Septet, Op. 20 for his favoured combination of pianoforte, flute, violin and violoncello. Beethoven would surely not have objected arrangements were, after all, a perfectly normal part of the 19th-century musical landscape. To audiences today his symphonies need little introduction but, thanks to the musical sensitivity and sheer brilliance of Hummels arrangements, it is possible to experience the thrill of hearing these extraordinary pieces afresh.