This new recording unites the Consone Quartet and cellist Kate Bennett Wadsworth to explore Romantic-era chamber music through innovative arrangements of Beethoven and Schumann. Released on Deux-Elles, the album features Ferdinand Ries’ quintet arrangement of Beethoven’s Sonata for Piano and Cello, Op. 5 No. 1 and Wadsworth’s own chamber arrangement of Schumann’s Cello Concerto, Op. 129.

A pupil and close confidant of Beethoven, Ries transforms the virtuosic sonata’s intimate dialogue into a lively quintet, reflecting his deep understanding of his mentor’s music. Wadsworth’s arrangement of Schumann’s concerto, inspired by a suggestion in the composer’s correspondence, offers a chamber perspective that draws on historical practices to highlight its lyrical warmth and dramatic contrasts.

The recording showcases the Consone Quartet’s dedication to early Romantic repertoire. Their collaboration with Wadsworth reflects a shared commitment to reimagining Romantic music with historical insight. Recorded in the beautiful acoustic of the Menuhin Hall, these two reworkings bring contrasting visions of virtuosity into a harmonious social space.

Learn more about Kate Bennett Wadsworth’s arrangement of Schumann’s Cello Concerto in her article for Continuo Connect.

This album, released on the Deux-Elles label, is available to stream on Spotify and Apple, or to purchase here.