Spohr s Nonet of 1813 is the first nonet written for this particular combination of instruments, making conscious use of the distinctive qualities and idiosyncrasies of each. For all its classical structural characteristics and the unity of expression that Spohr creates with his first pervasive theme, the nonet takes the listener on an unfamiliar journey as each new phrase introduces a different palette. Onslow s Nonet (recorded for the first time on historical instruments) is startling from the very first bar! The force and volume of his opening declamation, the virtuosity of the violin s first flourishes, and the enormous range in each of the parts give the piece a distinctly modern feeling.