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Septet: Beethoven & Hummel

Guildhall School of Music & Drama: Milton Court Concert HallSilk Street, Barbican, London, Greater London, EC2Y 8DT, United Kingdom
Dates/times in London time zone
Thursday 11 February 202719:30

Academy of Ancient Music plays Septets by Beethoven and Hummel – giants of the Romantic revolution, relaxing among friends.

You could tell when Ludwig van Beethoven liked you, because the insults were off the scale. “You’re an insolent, faithless dog and the devil can take you!” was a typical exchange between Beethoven and his friend (and superfan) Johann Hummel – and the same irreverence, playfulness and outsize wit crackles through every note of this concert.

Make no mistake: this slimmed-down showcase might only feature a handful of players, but the musical personalities are enormous. Hummel’s music glitters with all the energy and elegance of a new Romantic era. And we simply love playing Beethoven’s Septet: a pocket symphony with a delicious twist, brimming with melody and fun. It was one of Beethoven’s greatest hits – let us show you why.

There will be a free pre-concert talk in the auditorium at 6.30pm.

Septet: Beethoven & Hummel