Franz Berwald - Berwald: Piano Quintets (LP)

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Franz Berwald's piano quintets, a lesser-known gem in the classical music repertoire. This album, released by Naxos in 2000, showcases the complete piano quintets of Berwald, a Swedish composer who, despite his relative obscurity, crafted works of remarkable depth and beauty.

The album features the Uppsala Chamber Soloists, with Bengt-Åke Lundin on piano, delivering a nuanced and expressive performance of Berwald's two piano quintets. The first quintet, in C Minor, is a dramatic and intense work, while the second, in A Major, is more lyrical and expansive. The album also includes two movements from an unfinished piano quintet in A Major, providing a fascinating glimpse into Berwald's creative process.

With a total duration of just over an hour and ten minutes, this album offers a substantial and satisfying listening experience. The sound quality is excellent, with each instrument clearly audible and the overall balance well-judged. The liner notes provide valuable context and insights into Berwald's life and music, enhancing the listener's appreciation of the works.

Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and delight. Berwald's piano quintets are a testament to his musical genius and a reminder of the many treasures that await discovery in the classical music canon.