Instrument: Bassoon

Robert and Clara were not the only two-composer family. So were Alma and Gustav. The Nash Ensemble's latest programme highlights Beethoven and the Romantics.

***11

Albéric Magnard steals the show in all-French recital at Wigmore Hall

Nick Boston, 15 Nov

How many of Albéric Magnard's 22 works do you know? Jean-Efflam Bavouzet and the Orsino Ensemble perform his Quintet in D minor to Wigmore Hall and it becomes the sixth star of the evening.

*****

Little-known gems as Ensemble 360 heads off-piste in Sheffield

Phil Parker, 17 Sep

One of the fathers of the wind quintet, a sextet for a unique instrumental line-up and Beethoven as we rarely hear him: an evening of surprises in Sheffield.

****1

A sonic meadow, with unusual reeds, at the Time:Spans festival

Kurt Gottschalk, 15 Aug

San Francisco’s Splinter Reeds, echoing the traditional wind quintet but eschews the non-reed instruments, makes its second ever New York City appearance, part of the Earle Brown Foundation’s Time:Spans Festival.

***11

Freiburg Baroque brings the Thames to Klosters

Mark Pullinger, 31 Jul

One of the world's top period instrument ensembles bring Handel's Water Music and other baroque classics to Klosters.

****1

For the finale in Valtice, a Vivaldi feast from Europa Galante

Frank Kuznik, 16 Oct

Fabio Biondi and his Europe Galante players offer an enlightening look at the last chapter in the composer's career.

****1

Devilish downpour cannot dampen The Soldier's Tale at the EIF

Roy Westbrook, 21 Aug

Rarely has so distinguished a group been assembled to give this work live; it would have shone as a highlight even in a normal year of visiting foreign ensembles and performers.

*****