"In their latest album, Transformations, the Amsterdam based Ensemble Caméléon presents two fascinating chamber arrangements, both of beloved works from the orchestral repertoire, and both made within a few years of the originals. Beethoven’s ‘Pastoral’ symphony was arranged for string sextet by Beethoven’s contemporary, Michael Gotthard Fischer, in 1810. The Caméléons have added a double bass here for extra depth of sound. The septet version of Strauss’ Metamorphosen is based on Strauss’ own early draft for the 23-part version. Rediscovered in 1990, this septet version was completed and published by Rudolf Leopold. The result is a blend of delicacy and grandeur that combines the best elements of chamber and orchestral playing: deeply felt, exquisitely voiced, and beautifully recorded."
