Abel / Akademie Symphonies 1 & 4 CD

The two great musical dynasties of central Germany, the Bachs and the Abels, were closely entwined. Carl Friedrich Abel, the greatest of his clan, was a pupil of Johann Sebastian Bach in Leipzig and the friend and business partner of Bach's youngest son, Johann Christian in London. Abel's output of symphonies comprises over forty works, most of which were published in sets of six, the standard number for publications of sonatas, chamber works and concertos in the eighteenth century. A concert in his time would have a range of compositions by several composers and it is more likely that only one symphony would be played in a single evening. The present day listener should not feel guilty for indulging in these fine works one by one or out of sequence. They are rich and delicate, and should be savored individually. Die Kolner Akademie is a unique ensemble based in Cologne which performs music of the seventeenth through the twenty-first centuries on period instruments with world renowned guest soloists. They have receieved the highest acclaim for their outstanding performances at major festivals all over the world, many of which were broadcast live and filmed for television.

1. I. Allegro 2. II. Andantino 3. III. Allegretto 4. I. Allegro Assai 5. II. Andantino 6. III. Menuet 7. I. Allegro Assai 8. II. Andantino 9. III. Allegro 10. I. Allegro Assai 11. II. Andantino 12. III. Tempo Di Menuetto 13. I. Allegro Di Molto 14. II. Andante 15. III. Allegretto 16. I. Allegro Di Molto 17. II. Andantino 18. III. Allegretto 19. I. Allegro 20. II. Andante 21. III. Presto 22. I. Allegro 23. II. Andantino 24. III. Un Poco Vivace 25. I. Allegro 26. II. Andante Pi? Tosto Un Poco Vivace 27. III. Allegro Assai 28. I. Allegro Maestoso 29. II. Andante 30. III. Allegro Assai 31. I. Allegro 32. II. Andantino 33. III. Menuet 34. I. Allegro Di Molto 35. II. Andantino 36. III. Presto