舒伯特: F大調八重奏,作品D803
威格摩爾獨奏家合奏團(第一張令人興奮的新錄音)

Formed in 2020, Wigmore Soloists is a chamber ensemble made up of a roster of outstanding musicians, led by Isabelle van Keulen and Michael Collins. An associate ensemble of the iconic London concert venue Wigmore Hall, it is the first one to be given the honour of using the name. The core line-up of string quintet, wind quintet and piano makes it possible to perform a wide and varied repertoire, and for its first recording the ensemble has chosen one of the larger works in the chamber music literature, in terms of duration as well as the forces involved.

Franz Schubert modelled his Octet in F major on Beethoven's Septet, a work which during the 24 years since its composition had proven extremely popular in Vienna. Schubert therefore copied Beethoven's instrumentation (with the addition of a second violin) as well as his general plan of six movements. The Octet is however almost half as long again as the Septet, perhaps a consequence of Schubert wanting to 'pave the way towards a grand symphony' by writing it. Like Beethoven – and Mozart in his serenades – Schubert strikes a perfect balance between entertainment and sophistication, while also including plenty of opportunities for the players – especially the first violinist and clarinettist – to show off their virtuosity.

Franz Schubert (1797—1828)
Octet in F major, D 803 (1824)
1 ) I. Adagio — Allegro — Più allegro 14'37
2 ) II. Adagio 11'17
3 ) III. Allegro vivace — Trio 6'20
4 ) IV. Andante — Variations I—VII 11'50
5 ) V. Menuetto. Allegretto — Trio 7'25
6 ) VI. Andante molto — Allegro 9'23
TT: 61'52
Wigmore Soloists Isabelle van Keulen violin I
Benjamin Gilmore violin II Timothy Ridout viola
Kristina Blaumane cello Tim Gibbs double bass
Michael Collins clarinet Robin O'Neill bassoon
Alberto Menendez Escribano horn