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.

Tracklist:

Symphonies À 4 Parties In D Major, Op. 1 No. 3, Wko 3: I. Allegro
Symphonies À 4 Parties In D Major, Op. 1 No. 3, Wko 3: II. Andantino
Symphonies À 4 Parties In D Major, Op. 1 No. 3, Wko 3: III. Allegretto
Symphonies À 4 Parties In G Major, Op. 1 No. 6, Wko 6: I. Allegro Assai
Symphonies À 4 Parties In G Major, Op. 1 No. 6, Wko 6: II. Andantino
Symphonies À 4 Parties In G Major, Op. 1 No. 6, Wko 6: III. Menuet
Symphonies À 4 Parties In C Major, Op. 1 No. 2, Wko 2: I. Allegro Assai
Symphonies À 4 Parties In C Major, Op. 1 No. 2, Wko 2: II. Andantino
Symphonies À 4 Parties In C Major, Op. 1 No. 2, Wko 2: III. Allegro
Symphonies À 4 Parties In E-Flat Major, Op. 1 No. 4, Wko 4: I. Allegro Assai
Symphonies À 4 Parties In E-Flat Major, Op. 1 No. 4, Wko 4: II. Andantino
Symphonies À 4 Parties In E-Flat Major, Op. 1 No. 4, Wko 4: III. Tempo Di Menuetto
Symphonies À 4 Parties In B-Flat Major, Op. 1 No. 1, Wko 1: I. Allegro Di Molto
Symphonies À 4 Parties In B-Flat Major, Op. 1 No. 1, Wko 1: II. Andante
Symphonies À 4 Parties In B-Flat Major, Op. 1 No. 1, Wko 1: III. Allegretto
Symphonies À 4 Parties In F Major, Op. 1 No. 5, Wko 5: I. Allegro Di Molto
Symphonies À 4 Parties In F Major, Op. 1 No. 5, Wko 5: II. Andantino
Symphonies À 4 Parties In F Major, Op. 1 No. 5, Wko 5: III. Allegretto
Overture In D Major, Op. 4 No. 6, Wko 12: I. Allegro
Overture In D Major, Op. 4 No. 6, Wko 12: II. Andante
Overture In D Major, Op. 4 No. 6, Wko 12: III. Presto
Overture In G Major, Op. 4 No. 5, Wko 11: I. Allegro
Overture In G Major, Op. 4 No. 5, Wko 11: II. Andantino
Overture In G Major, Op. 4 No. 5, Wko 11: III. Un Poco Vivace
Overture In C Major, Op. 4 No. 4, Wko 10: I. Allegro
Overture In C Major, Op. 4 No. 4, Wko 10: II. Andante Più Tosto Un Poco Vivace
Overture In C Major, Op. 4 No. 4, Wko 10: III. Allegro Assai
Overture In E-Flat Major, Op. 4 No. 3, Wko 9: I. Allegro Maestoso
Overture In E-Flat Major, Op. 4 No. 3, Wko 9: II. Andante
Overture In E-Flat Major, Op. 4 No. 3, Wko 9: III. Allegro Assai
Overture In B-Flat Major, Op. 4 No. 2, Wko 8: I. Allegro
Overture In B-Flat Major, Op. 4 No. 2, Wko 8: II. Andantino
Overture In B-Flat Major, Op. 4 No. 2, Wko 8: III. Menuet
Overture In D Major, Op. 4 No. 1, Wko 7: I. Allegro Di Molto
Overture In D Major, Op. 4 No. 1, Wko 7: II. Andantino
Overture In D Major, Op. 4 No. 1, Wko 7: III. Presto

UPC: 761203513727
Label: Cpo Records
Release Date: 3.23.18
Format: CD

Abel / Akademie - Symphonies 1 & 4 (2 CD)