Showpiece variations, folksongs, little-known trios and an early masterpiece: an unrivalled survey of Beethoven’s flute writing in new recordings by experienced Italian chamber musicians.
Beethoven’s attitude to composition is exemplified by an 1806 letter to the Scottish publisher George Thomson: ‘I will endeavour to make these compositions as pleasant as possible, but to the extent that this can remain compatible with the perfection and originality of style which you yourself have judged to be favourable characteristics of my work and which I will never give up.’
Thomson wanted undemanding and commercially attractive folksong settings from a composer already across Europe. Beethoven wanted and needed the money, but he also knew his worth, and in any case compromise was a word only ever grudgingly admitted to his vocabulary. In writing his sets of folksong variations, the result always falls easily upon the ear while putting amateur musicians through their paces, technically speaking, and demanding far more of their expressive imagination than Thomson’s usual fare.
The other pieces here date from Beethoven’s earliest years as a composer in Bonn. The Trio for flute, bassoon and piano shows a strong Mozartian influence; the B flat Sonata for flute and piano is a striking example of the apprentice musician learning his craft and refining his voice, which emerges in the unexpected context of a modest Duo for two flutes. However, it is the seven-movement Serenade Op.25, scored for flute, violin and viola, where we find Beethoven most elegantly adapted to the role of ‘occasional’ composer. The idiom might be carefree and elegant, but the instruments cross swords, argue and find common ground with a nobility that is all Beethoven’s own.
These new recordings are led by the flautist Ginevra Petrucci, who is now based in New York as a performer, editor and author of several volumes on the flute, and a specialist in new music. ‘A a very talented and well-educated musician,’ according to the Fanfare magazine review of her Brilliant Classics album of flute concertos by Briccialdi (95767).
- Within the wealth of music that Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) wrote for chamber ensemble, there is a remarkable and substantial amount of works in which the flute plays the main role.
- One of the most notable works in Beethoven's flute chamber music repertoire is his Serenade in D major for flute, violin, and viola, Op. 25. Composed in 1801, this piece showcases Beethoven's mastery of melody and his ability to create a delicate balance between the three instruments. The serenade consists of six movements, ranging from lyrical and graceful melodies to lively and spirited passages, all unified by Beethoven's signature compositional style.
- Another significant work is Beethoven's Trio in G major for flute, bassoon, and piano, WoO37. This charming trio exhibits Beethoven's gift for thematic development and his skillful handling of the interplay between the instruments. The flute takes on a prominent role, often carrying the melodic lines while engaging in delightful dialogues with the bassoon and piano.
- Beethoven's chamber music for flute, while not as well-known as his symphonic works, showcases his ability to craft music of intimacy and expression. The flute's soaring melodies and delicate nuances find a perfect match in Beethoven's sensitive writing. These compositions, though relatively few in number, provide flutists and chamber music enthusiasts with an opportunity to explore Beethoven's lesser-known works and discover the depth of his musical genius.
- Played by the eminent Italian flute player Ginevra Petrucci, whose growing discography for Brilliant Classics includes works by Muczynski, Briccialdi, Kuhnau, Dupuy, Büchner and Kempff.
Ludwig van Beethoven: Flute Sonata in B-Flat Major, Anh.4: I. Allegro
Ludwig van Beethoven: Flute Sonata in B-Flat Major, Anh.4: II. Polonaise
Ludwig van Beethoven: Flute Sonata in B-Flat Major, Anh.4: III. Largo
Ludwig van Beethoven: Flute Sonata in B-Flat Major, Anh.4: IV. Thema mit Variationen. Allegretto
Ludwig van Beethoven: 6 National Folksongs with Variations, Op. 105: I. Air ecossais in G Major. The Cottage Maid. Andantino quasi allegretto
Ludwig van Beethoven: 6 National Folksongs with Variations, Op. 105: II. Air ecossais in C Minor. Of Noble Stock Was Shinkin. Allegretto scherzoso
Ludwig van Beethoven: 6 National Folksongs with Variations, Op. 105: III. Air autrichien in C Major. A Schusserl und a Reindl. Andantino
Ludwig van Beethoven: 6 National Folksongs with Variations, Op. 105: IV. Air ecossais in E-Flat Major. The Last Rose of Summer. Andante espressivo assai
Ludwig van Beethoven: 6 National Folksongs with Variations, Op. 105: V. Air ecossais in E-Flat Major. Chiling O’Guiry. Allegretto spiritoso
Ludwig van Beethoven: 6 National Folksongs with Variations, Op. 105: VI. Air ecossais in D Major. Paddy Whack. Allegretto più tosto vivace
Disk 2
Ludwig van Beethoven: 10 National Folksongs with Variations, Op. 107: I. Tyrolian Air in E-Flat Major. I bin a Tiroler Bua. Moderato
Ludwig van Beethoven: 10 National Folksongs with Variations, Op. 107: II. Scottish Air in F Major. Bonny Laddie, Highland Laddie. Allegretto, quasi vivace
Ludwig van Beethoven: 10 National Folksongs with Variations, Op. 107: III. Russian Air in G Major. Volkslied aus Klein Russland. Vivace
Ludwig van Beethoven: 10 National Folksongs with Variations, Op. 107: IV. Irish Air in F Major. St. Patrick’s Day. Allegretto scherzoso
Ludwig van Beethoven: 10 National Folksongs with Variations, Op. 107: V. Tyrolian Air in F Major. A Madel, ja a Madel. Moderato
Ludwig van Beethoven: 10 National Folksongs with Variations, Op. 107: VI. Welsh Air in E-Flat Major. Peggy's Daughter. Andante comodo
Ludwig van Beethoven: 10 National Folksongs with Variations, Op. 107: VII. Russian Air in A Minor. Schöne Minka. Andante
Ludwig van Beethoven: 10 National Folksongs with Variations, Op. 107: VIII. Scottish Air in D Major. O Mary, at the Window Be. Andantino quasi allegretto
Ludwig van Beethoven: 10 National Folksongs with Variations, Op. 107: IX. Scottish Air in E-Flat Major. Oh, Thou Art the Lad of my Heart. Allegretto più tosto vivace
Ludwig van Beethoven: 10 National Folksongs with Variations, Op. 107: X. Scottish Air in G Minor. The Highland Watch. Spiritoso e marciale
Ludwig van Beethoven: Duo for 2 Flutes in G Major, WoO26: I. Allegro
Ludwig van Beethoven: Duo for 2 Flutes in G Major, WoO26: II. Minuetto quasi allegretto
Disk 3
Ludwig van Beethoven: Trio for Piano, Flute and Bassoon in G Major, WoO37: I. Allegro
Ludwig van Beethoven: Trio for Piano, Flute and Bassoon in G Major, WoO37: II. Adagio
Ludwig van Beethoven: Trio for Piano, Flute and Bassoon in G Major, WoO37: III. Thema andante con variazioni
Ludwig van Beethoven: Serenade for Flute, Violin and Viola in D Major, Op. 25: I. Entrata. Allegro
Ludwig van Beethoven: Serenade for Flute, Violin and Viola in D Major, Op. 25: II. Tempo ordinario d’un menuetto
Ludwig van Beethoven: Serenade for Flute, Violin and Viola in D Major, Op. 25: III. Allegro molto
Ludwig van Beethoven: Serenade for Flute, Violin and Viola in D Major, Op. 25: IV. Andante con variazioni
Ludwig van Beethoven: Serenade for Flute, Violin and Viola in D Major, Op. 25: V. Allegro scherzando e vivace
Ludwig van Beethoven: Serenade for Flute, Violin and Viola in D Major, Op. 25: VI. Adagio
Ludwig van Beethoven: Serenade for Flute, Violin and Viola in D Major, Op. 25: VII. Allegro vivace e disinvolto
