GEORGE ONSLOW (1784-1853): Nonet for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, String Trio and Double Bass in A Minor, Op. 77, Grand Septuor for Piano, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon and Double Bass in B Flat, Op. 79.

Description: Among Onslow's last works, are several which show his interest in the new possibilities offered by the ongoing redesign and improvement of wind instruments. His largest chamber music composition, the nonet (1848) adds the color and richness of winds to the well-known virtues of his string writing in music which is of orchestral character at times and of the finest chamber textures at others. The septet (although a Jecklin recording from 1979 once existed, this new one is the only one currently available) is practically a piano concerto, lyrical, full of sweeping dramatic gestures and poetic refinement. Consortium Classicum, Stefan Irmer (piano).Among Onslow's last works, are several which show his interest in the new possibilities offered by the ongoing redesign and improvement of wind instruments. His largest chamber music composition, the nonet (1848) adds the color and richness of winds to the well-known virtues of his string writing in music which is of orchestral character at times and of the finest chamber textures at others. The septet (although a Jecklin recording from 1979 once existed, this new one is the only one currently available) is practically a piano concerto, lyrical, full of sweeping dramatic gestures and poetic refinement. Consortium Classicum, Stefan Irmer (piano).