Septet: Beethoven & Hummel

Academy of Ancient Music plays Septets by Beethoven and Hummel – giants of the Romantic revolution, relaxing among friends. You could tell when Ludwig van Beethoven liked you, because the insults were off the scale. “You’re an insolent, faithless dog and the devil can take you!” was a typical exchange between Beethoven and his friend (and superfan) Johann Hummel – and the same irreverence, playfulness and outsize wit crackles through every note of this concert. Make no mistake: this slimmed-down showcase might only feature a handful of players, but the musical personalities are enormous. Hummel’s music glitters with all the energy and elegance of a new Romantic era. And we simply love playing Beethoven’s Septet: a pocket symphony with a delicious twist, brimming with melody and fun. It was one of Beethoven’s greatest hits – let us show you why. Programme Johann Nepomuk Hummel Piano Septet No 1 in D minor, Op 74 Ludwig van Beethoven Septet in E-flat major, Op 20 Performers Academy of Ancient Music Laurence Cummings director & fortepiano