Beethoven's Sextet in E flat major, Op. 71, was composed in 1796 but was not performed until 1805 and not published until 1810, leading to its high opus number.
Composition History
The authenticity of the Duo for clarinet and bassoon, WoO 27 No. 1, and its companion pieces, is questioned today due to a lack of stylistic evidence, despite being accepted as Beethoven's works for a time.
Performer Biography
The Scottish Chamber Orchestra Wind Soloists, who perform on this album, began exploring Harmoniemusik repertoire in 2012, inspired by the legacy of great Mozartian conductors.
Recording & Production
This album, featuring Ludwig van Beethoven's wind music, was recorded in North Leith Parish Church, Edinburgh, in June 2016.
Historical Context
From the 1760s to the 1830s, European aristocrats commonly kept wind bands, known as Harmonie, to provide background music and perform in concerts.
Critical Reception
Despite being nearly a decade old at its 1805 premiere, Beethoven's Sextet in E flat major, Op. 71, was praised by the Allgemeine musikalische Zeitung for its 'lively melodies, unconstrained harmonies, and a wealth of new and surprising ideas'.
Composer Biography
Beethoven's early experience as a viola player in the Bonn orchestra from 1789 exposed him to wind virtuosi, influencing his later large-scale compositions.
You might also enjoy...
Music for Horn
Beethoven: Chamber Music for Winds, Vol. 4
Beethoven: Blasermusik
Hill, W.: 2 Romances / 3 Pieces for Viola and Piano / Violin Sonata, Op. 20 / Piano Quartet, Op. 44
Beethoven Interpreted by Beethoven: Clarinet Trio Op. 38, Piano Quartet Op. 16
Mozart: Piano Trio in E-Flat Major - Reinecke: Piano Trio in A Major & Flute Sonata in E Minor "Undine"
Schubert: Ständchen
Beethoven: Trios for piano, clarinet and cello, Ops. 11 & 38
A Jacqueline du Pré Recital
Xiogang Ye: Chamber Music
Imagination
Onslow, Wind Quintet, Sextet
Schubert: Piano Trio No. 2 in E-Flat Major, D. 929 & Arpeggione Sonata in A Minor, D. 821
