Jos van Immerseel: “While since its foundation in 1987 Anima Eterna Brugge has grown organically into a symphonic orchestra, chamber music once again forms an important part of our repertory today. We will continue our journey through orchestral music, but want to broaden our base by including chamber music as well.” This recording is Anima’s very first to be completely devoted to instrumental ensemble music. A group of musicians headed by violinist Jakob Lehmann breathes new life into two 19th-century masterpieces. Schubert‘s Octet in F is a crown jewel from the repertoire, taking its cue from Beethoven’s celebrated Septet yet at the same time paving the way toward the Grosse Sinfonie. Roughly 20 years after its iconic recording of the complete Schubert symphonies, Anima brings its signature approach to the composer’s chamber music to explore it with the insights and “language skills” developed back then and from thereon.
In contrast to Schubert, Franz Berwald has been largely forgotten – undeservedly, as this gifted Swede left behind an oeuvre that is both surprisingly modern and delightfully original. Performed on period instruments, using authoritative sources and contemporary playing techniques, these brilliant pages of large ensemble music are now ready to be rediscovered and enjoyed once again.
Tracklist
- Octet in F major D. 803 I.Adagio - Allegro - Più allegro - Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
- Octet in F major D. 803 II. Adagio
- Octet in F major D. 803 IV. Andante - Un poco più mosso - Più lento
- Octet in F major D. 803 V. Menuetto Allegretto
- Octet in F major D. 803 VI. Andante molto - Allegro - Andante molto - Allegro moto
- Grand septet in in B flat Major I. Adagio - Allegro molto - Franz Berwald (1796-1868)
- Grand septet in in B flat Major II. Poco adagio - Prestissimo - Adagio
- Grand septet in in B flat Major III. Finale Allegro con spirito
Reviews
"Au modelé de chaque détail, qui tenait subtilement l'oreille en alerte, s'ajoute chez les nouveaux venus une captation très proche, mettant en évidence le caractère affirmé des huit solistes." - Michel Stockhem, Diapason, 09.2019
