Septet: Beethoven & Hummel

We begin this evening with Hummel’s Septet No 1 in D minor, a piece that positions the piano at the centre of an intricate web of strings and wind. You will hear how the keyboard part demands great agility, often acting as a virtuosic guide through the work’s shifting textures. The second half of the programme features Beethoven’s Septet in E-flat major. Written at the turn of the nineteenth century, it became one of his most popular creations during his lifetime. The music is structured in six movements, mirroring the style of an eighteenth-century divertimento but with a new level of symphonic ambition. As you listen, look out for the distinctive way Beethoven balances the individual colours of the clarinet, horn, and bassoon against the strings. The evening is shaped by the transition from the classical elegance of the late 1700s into the more turbulent and expressive spirit of the early 1800s, showcasing how small ensembles can produce a sound as rich and varied as a full orchestra.

The Academy of Ancient Music is renowned for its dedication to historically informed performance, typically playing on instruments from the era in which the music was composed. Based in the United Kingdom, they have a global reputation for bringing clarity and period-appropriate textures to the baroque and classical repertoire. For this performance, they are led by Laurence Cummings, a conductor and keyboard specialist highly regarded for his expertise in early nineteenth-century style. Together, they offer a scholarly yet vibrant approach to these chamber works, focusing on the specific tonal qualities that the composers would have expected to hear.

This performance takes place at Milton Court Concert Hall in London. The event has a total running time of approximately 120 minutes, which includes an interval between the two major works. Because the programme consists of two substantial, melodic pieces of chamber music, it is well-suited to those who are new to classical concerts as well as experienced listeners. There is no specific dress code for this venue, so you should feel comfortable in smart-casual attire. Please note that as this is an orchestral concert rather than an opera, there are no surtitles or vocal elements to consider.