Beethoven Septet
26 February 2022 – 7:30 pm Digital Stream
It’s been said that Beethoven never quite forgave the Septet for its enormous popularity. There’s no doubt why music lovers admire it so much. Join us and listen to the charming serenade and wide range of ever-changing instrumental textures and combinations.
Featuring
David Boutin-Bourque, clarinet; Janelle Wiebe, horn; Kristy Tucker, bassoon; Thomas Cosbey, violin; Patrick Horn, viola; Daniel Parker, cello; Martin Blanchet, bass
In the septet, Beethoven combines the winds and strings in two ways. In some sections, he divides the ensemble into two groups, each with a leader. Thus, the strings are led by the violin and the winds by the clarinet. As a result, the septet often sounds like a chamber concerto for two instruments. In other sections, Beethoven allows each of the instruments, with one exception, to express its characteristic tone quality through solo passages. The exception is the double bass, which is used throughout to provide a harmonic foundation.