It has often been observed, but still bears repeating, that the 19th century experienced symphonies as often, or more often, in chamber arrangements as it did in orchestral halls, and this repertory is far from being fully explored. This is the second of what presumably will be a trio of recordings by pianist
Uwe Grodd
, covering the arrangements of
Beethoven
's first seven symphonies by
Johann Nepomuk Hummel
, published after
's death. All are for piano, flute, violin, and cello.
Hummel
was just one of a number of composers who wrote this kind of arrangement, but he was one of the most prominent in his own right, even if he is not as well known as he used to be, and his versions are unfailingly intelligent. On this volume, released in 2022, the
Pettman Ensemble
steps in for the
Gould Piano Trio
on the first set, and this one may be preferable for those wanting to sample the set. The arrangement of
's
Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 ("Pastoral")
, is constantly absorbing.
nimbly avoids concerto-like effects that would do damage to the original, laying down a base with a piano part that is rarely silent. Over this, the other three instruments add layers in a variety of ingenious ways, evoking
's original textures without trying to ape them. Sample the clearing of the skies in the
"Pastoral"
finale. The
/
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36
, is likewise not a straight condensation of the original but more an exploration of its contrapuntal structure. One could imagine a performance of these arrangements on historical instruments, but the textures from pianist
Grodd
, who has made a specialty of these
arrangements, and the chamber ensemble are clear. Recommended for anyone with the slightest interest in the reception of
. ~ James Manheim