In the 200th anniversary of its composition, members of the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique bring their ‘astonishing collective virtuosity’ (Bachtrack) to a performance of Schubert’s Octet, alongside the lesser-known Grand Septet by Schubert’s Swedish contemporary, Berwald.

These works were both modelled on the tradition of Beethoven’s Septet, with Schubert adding a second violin. Berwald’s short septet is structurally innovative; by comparison, Schubert copies Beethoven’s model more directly in a substantial work that lasts more than an hour.

Rarely has either piece been heard performed on period instruments, and they are sure to be illuminated anew by musicians renowned for ‘performances of radiant intensity and commitment...with an electric crackle of excitement tempered by virtuosic swagger.’ (ArtsDesk)

Programme
Berwald Grand Septet
Schubert Octet, D803