Bernhard

Romberg
Concerto in B Minor, Op. 17 for Flute & Piano Edited by John Wion This
wonderful discovery nicely fills that missing gap in the flute literature
between Mozart and Reinecke. The score of this fine work was never
published, but, working from a set of parts, John Wion... has painstakingly
labored to bring us a modern edition with piano accompaniment of this long
lost treasure from the 19th Century. Romberg was a well-known composer in
his time, concertizing with Beethoven, playing with the Electors orchestra in
Bonn, and eventually serving as Kapplemeister to the King of Prussia in
Berlin (Quantz and C.P.E. Bach had preceded him). Rombergs Concerto is
challenging to the flutist but delightful to the listener with strong themes,
clear structure, and surprising harmonic variety. This work is full of power
and pathos, virtuosity and elegance of melody. The style recalls the best
portions of Schuberts Variations, the depth of Beethovens Romances for
Violin, the wit and charm of Rossini, and the opulent chromaticism of Spohr.
The piano reduction by Elaine Baker is well balanced and interesting yet
very idiomatic and playable at the keyboard. This is a major work that
deserves wider recognition. It should be much more frequently heard, and
deserves to be on the audition lists for major competitions. Mr. Wion has

also released a recording of this work on his CD: John Wion Plays Bernhard
Romberg, which also includes Rombergs Divertimento and Quintet with
strings. - JEP, The Flute Network This is not only a must-have, but also a
why havent we heard of this before piece of music. Rombergs Concerto is
wonderful fun and fills the large gap in flute concertos from the Beethoven
era. This edition is clear, well-edited and well-transcribed for flute and piano.
Highly recommended. -Robert Bigio, Pan (Journal of the British Flute
Society)