On their latest BIS production, the Wigmore Soloists present two works with unusual instrumentation; Beethoven's and Berwald's Septets for violin, viola, cello, double bass, clarinet, bassoon and horn. In his youthful work, Beethoven found a beautiful balance between lightness and profound substance. The work is in the serenade tradition; in its six movements, Beethoven shows himself to be warm-hearted and relaxed, despite his typical compositional power. The septet became very popular, which irritated Beethoven, because in his opinion this was at the expense of more mature and substantial works. Berwald, best known for his symphonies, also wrote a septet, but it is by no means an imitation of Beethoven's. The Swede had his own ideas. The Swede had his own ideas and his own humorous expression. His artful treatment of the wind instruments deserves particular attention. One of Berwald's best chamber works.