Endre Szervánsky is not a well-known name outside Hungary but his First Wind Quintet deserves a wider circulation. It is warm and sunny, generous and enthusiastic, gentle and exciting and includes a spectacular horn part. The trio of Viviane Hagner, Johannes Moser and Barry Douglas return for Beethoven’s E flat Piano Trio that overflows with big, ear-catching tunes. Alkan was a virtuoso pianist and friend of Chopin and they both wrote their respective cello sonatas for the great cellist Auguste Franchomme. Alkan’s Sonata is another forgotten masterpiece with the mystic poetry of the Adagio and the prodigious energy of the Finale.

Concert Programme

Composer

Work

Artist(s)

Szervánsky

Wind Quintet No.1

Beethoven

Piano Trio in E flat major Op.70/2

Alkan

Sonate de Concert Op.47