Music in the Round May Festival - Heroics

In an age well before recording, broadcasting and the internet, and when it would often be difficult or even impossible to attend symphonic concerts, how was music circulated so that everyone could share the experience? One answer was to create portable editions of great pieces, suitable for amateur musicians to play for personal enjoyment in the comfort of their own homes.

The task of producing and playing such editions should not be underestimated: musical training and a discerning ear were essential for the preparation of the scores, and often few concessions were made to performing ability. The Eroica Symphony was arranged by, amongst others, Czerny, Schubert, Ries and Liszt, but for today’s concert Ensemble 360 have chosen the sophisticated and sparkling flute quartet arrangement by Johann Nepomuk Hummel.