Viennese composer Franz Krommer (born Frantisek Kramar in Bohemia) lies between Haydn and Beethoven chronologically and stylistically -- his music has little of Beethoven's individualistic drama, but he did, like Beethoven, write music that broke decisively with the amateur tradition. These variously titled wind octets show Krommer's music to its best advantage, for they showcase his ability to write idiomatic, challenging material for various instruments even within a light, not terribly adventuresome language. The liner notes by Annakatrin Täuschel are silent on several issues of interest, such as exactly when these pieces were composed (and why two of them bear the strange key signature of D sharp major), but they seem to have originated before the invention of the valve horn in 1818. The high but quiet horn parts of the Partita in D sharp, subtitled "Concerto for two horns" and exquisitely balanced between the two conceptions, are tough for modern players and would be staggeringly difficult on natural horns. Horn players in search of good recital material ought to hear this piece; the tension and resolution of seeing hornists bring it off successfully would blow an examining board away. The other octets have instrumental joys of their own, even if, like most very prolific composers, Krommer isn't always inventive melodically. The opening Harmonie in C major, Op. 76, takes its name from an old German world for a wind ensemble. Its outer movements are full of zippy ensemble work that's a pleasure for anyone to listen to. The presumably Swiss group
La Gran Partita handles all the technical challenges here and has fun tearing through the fast movements. As an unusual gift for a wind player, this disc is a good choice, and if you've seen the group of Krommer discs that has appeared in recent years and been curious about his music, this is the one to pick.