Various Composers - Early Romantic Piano Quartets (Van Swieten Society)

Information

• Johann Nepomuk Hummel - Piano Quartet in G Major, Op. Posth. 4
• Ferdinand Ries - Piano Quartet in F Minor, Op. 13
• Franz Schubert - Adagio and Rondo Concertante in F Major, D.487

Van Swieten Society

    Heleen Hulst, violin

    Elisabeth Smalt, vila

    Mátyás Virág, cello

    Bart van Oort, fortepiano

Date: 2025

Label: Brilliant Classics

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Romanticism emerged in diverse forms, shaped by the legacies of Mozart and Beethoven. Their pupils, Johann Nepomuk Hummel and Ferdinand Ries, each advanced Romantic ideals in distinct ways. Ries, often described as embodying “wild Romanticism,” anticipated the expressive intensity later found in Schumann’s works. Hummel, a virtuoso admired across Europe around 1815, dazzled audiences with brilliance and refinement—earning Liszt’s admiration. In contrast, Franz Schubert represented the introspective side of Romanticism, valuing emotional sincerity over showmanship. Though he performed only in intimate settings, Schubert’s piano playing was renowned for its lyrical beauty, reflecting the deeply personal spirit of the Romantic age.

The Van Swieten Society is a collective of musicians devoted to chamber music from the Classical and early Romantic eras. Performing on period instruments, the ensemble often collaborates with guest artists who share its historically informed approach. This flexibility allows for diverse repertoire and inventive programming. While focusing on composers from Bach to Schumann, the group also conducts extensive research in international libraries to uncover forgotten masterpieces deserving renewed attention. The result is a series of vibrant, thematically rich performances that combine historical insight with artistic curiosity.