Customer Reviews

Carl Friedrich Abel: Symphonies, Op. 10, Nos. 1-6 - La Stagione Frankfurt / Michael Schneider

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I'm at a total loss as to why Carl Friedrich Abel isn't famous. His Opus 10, Symphonies 1-6, are as good as Mozart's or Haydn's. He should be well-known for this if nothing else. True, each symphony is on the short side (all six fit on one disc), but there are SIX of them and there's not a throw-away movement in the bunch. They're all hum-able and infectious, very uplifting. I recommend this album without reservation. If there are any more Abel works available, I'd seriously consider getting them, too.

I'm not sure who my audience is here. If you're looking at a composer like Abel, it's either because you already know who he is or because, like me, you just like to explore composers you haven't heard of. I'll be writing for someone new to Abel but either way I think you'll find this CD a true bargain.

After Bach but before Mozart, Abel seems to combine elements of both. This is very definitely music from the mid-18th century: light, quick, playful, technically assured. You won't get Purcell and you won't get Beethoven here. This is music it would be easy to have on in the background, yet there are phrases and moments that make you stop to listen. It's pleasing and at moments very rewarding music to listen to.

The sound quality is very good. The liner notes likewise. Take a chance, be surprised, try Abel. The price is decidedly right.