“Franz Berwald’s Septet dates from 1828 but it was not published until 1883, several years after his death. It is composed for the same instruments as Beethoven’s famous Op.20 Septet but is in no way imitative of it. He has his own voice and his own musical expression. His ideas are well thought out and tasteful. One must note that his handling of the wind instruments, which he generally treats as a group, is particularly fine. It is in three movements, and even today is strong enough to be presented in concert. The first movement begins with a short Adagio introduction which gives way to the main section, Allegro molto. Here the winds present the long-lined melody against the effect use of string pizzicato. The second movement is actually two in one, beginning with a lyrical Adagio and then turning into a Scherzo with a Beethovenian trio section. The lively finale, Allegro con spirito, shows the influence of the Italian opera, Rossini in particular. - Wilhelm Altmann writing in his Handbook for Chamber Music Players

Editor: Hans Eppstein
Instrumentation: Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Violin, Viola, Violoncello and Double-Bass