Bernhard Romberg - Flute Quintet; Divertimento; Grand Trio (Ardinghello Ensemble)

Information

Composer: Bernhard Romberg

• Quintet for Flute, Violin, 2 Violas & Violoncello in G major, Op. 1, No. 3
• Divertimento for Flute, Violin, Viola & Violoncello in G major, Op. 40
• Grand Trio for Violin, Viola & Violoncello in F major, Op. 8

Ardinghello Ensemble

    Karl Kaiser, flute

    Annette Rehberger, violin

    Sebastian Wohlfahrt, viola

    Anna Kaiser, viola

    Martina Jessel, cello

Date: 2026

Label: CPO

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Cousins Bernhard Romberg (1767–1841) and Andreas Romberg emerged as a sensational musical duo, excelling as a virtuoso cellist and violinist, respectively. After conquering Paris and performing alongside Ludwig van Beethoven in the Bonn Court Orchestra, they maintained a lifelong bond while pursuing independent careers. While Andreas later served the Gotha court, Bernhard became celebrated as the "Paganini of the cello." Bernhard's compositions reflect his virtuosity, expanding the cello's role from simple bass accompaniment to an equal partner in complex, often symphonic chamber works. His beautifully structured repertoire serves as a compelling, innovative complement to the works of his long-time friend, Beethoven.

Founded in Freiburg in 2012, the Ardinghello Ensemble draws its name from Wilhelm Heinse's 1789 utopian novel. While initially established as a flute, violin, viola, and cello quartet, the ensemble has expanded its repertoire since 2020 to include string trios, quartets, and mixed quintets. The group focuses on the works of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven, alongside compositions by their Classical and Romantic contemporaries. Collaborating regularly with SWR, the ensemble frequently records for labels such as MDG, cpo, and Brilliant Classics, earning a prestigious Diapason d'Or in 2024 for its recording of Mozart's Flute Quartets.