The combination of Beethoven’s and Ries’ works may seem obvious.

After all Ferdinand Ries was one of Beethoven’s best-known pupils but mainly because he was otherwise involved with the work of his (former) teacher as well. The most striking result of this juxtaposing is the contrast between the music of both composers. Even though being the pupil Ries’ music with its flowing melodies much more conforms to the classical tradition of the time than do the works of his teacher. One of the later (more romantic) works being a trio version of his Septet opus 20. For these recordings Belgian clarinettist Vlad Weverbergh has chosen some early chamber music by Beethoven. Together with Vasily Ilisavsky, piano and Benjamin Glorieux and Jadranka Gasparovic, cellos, he also performs Ries’ opuses 28, 29 and 169. These two CDs present an interesting view on master and pupil.

The relatively simple music is enhanced by the excellent performances.