Consortium Classicum, Claudius Tanski - Il Virtuoso, Vol. 2: Ignaz Moscheles (1997)

This wonderful CD contains some of Ignaz Moscheles' major chamber works, and they are definitely worth a listen! I completely recommend it for Moscheles fans, but also for fans of Beethoven-era chamber music. They are very colorful works due to their unusual instrumentations, which can be hard to find in this period of music. I particularly enjoyed the Grand Septuor Op.88, a mature work that might seem to have been imitating Beethoven, but with a composition date of 1832-33 and quite different instrumentation, was probably an inspiration all of its own. It's very nice to see this side of Moscheles, who is typically a piano composer and didn't often write for any other instruments but piano solo. The recording quality is very fine, and the performences contain energy and charm. I am always really happy when an ensemble chooses to perform and record works such as these that will probably never see a concert hall anytime soon, but that is not to say anything against the works themselves. These pieces deserve to be heard and enjoyed!