Philharmonia Chamber Players: Beethoven’s Septet

Programme

Enjoy one of Beethoven’s most popular works in this free early evening concert.

Throughout the 18^th century, the bread-and-butter work of many European composers consisted of serenades and divertimentos for aristocratic dinners, balls and garden parties. As the century drew to a close, Beethoven wrote one of the finest examples of the genre, a septet for strings, clarinet, bassoon and horn. It was an instant hit, spawning arrangements for keen amateur pianists, guitarists and more – Beethoven himself is said to have been annoyed that it attracted more attention than some of his more ‘serious’ works.

Let seven of the outstanding players of the Philharmonia Orchestra transport you to an elegant Viennese soiree in this free 45-minute performance, ahead of their 7.30pm programme of Mendelssohn and Mozart.