Carl Schuberth; Heinrich Stiehl - Cello Sonatas of the Romantic Period (Wunderkammer)

Information

Composer: Carl Schuberth; Heinrich Stiehl

• Stiehl - Prize-Sonata for Pianoforte and Violoncello in A Minor, Op. 37
• Schuberth - Grand Nocturne élégiaque for Two Cellos and Piano, Op. 6 "L‘Adieu"
• Schuberth - Grande Sonata for Pianoforte and Violoncello in D Major, Op. 43

Wunderkammer

    Martin Seemann, cello

    Mira Lange, fortepiano

    Bettina Messerschmidt, cello

Date: 2026

Label: Coviello Classics

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This recording presents works by Heinrich Stiehl (1829–1886) and Carl Schuberth (1811–1863), two largely overlooked figures of German Romanticism whose music reflects the broader artistic culture of the 19th century. Central to the programme is Stiehl’s Sonata for Pianoforte and Violoncello in A minor, Op. 37, which combines lyrical Romantic expression with contrapuntal rigor, notably in its fugato finale and the song-like third movement inspired by Eduard Mörike poetry. Schuberth is represented through works that highlight his melodic richness and cello virtuosity, including the Grand Nocturne élégiaque and the Sonata in D major, Op. 43. Performed on period instruments by Martin Seemann, Bettina Messerschmidt, and Mira Lange, the recording emphasizes historical clarity, expressive nuance, and the rediscovery of refined Romantic repertoire.

Founded in 2013/14 by four Berlin musicians, the Wunderkammer is dedicated to historically informed performance, treating early music as a historically reconstructed art form rather than timeless repertoire. Their approach emphasizes understanding original performance contexts to restore expressive vitality, while also engaging with contemporary works by composers such as Peter Uehling and literary sources. The ensemble performs flexibly as chamber group or orchestra and appears at festivals including the International Telemann Festival Magdeburg and the Heinrich Schütz Music Festival. They collaborate with artists such as Ton Koopman, Marie Luise Werneburg, and Ælbgut. Their 2020 recording of Bach’s St John Passion (second version) received the Opus Klassik award.

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