Presents
Johann Amon
String Quartet in B flat Major, Op.113 No.1
Johann Andreas Amon (1763-1825) was born in a small village just outside of the German city of Bamburg. His early musical training was from members of the court orchestra. His first instrument was the violin but later he developed an interest in the horn and became quite proficient. About this time, he attracted the attention of the famous Bohemian horn virtuoso who went by the name of Giovanni di Punto. (His real name was Jan Vaclav Stich). Di Punto was serving as first horn and took Amon under his tutelage. Not long after, in the 1780’s, di Punto embarked on a solo tour which took him to Paris. Amon went with and toured with him, ultimately becoming a virtuoso in his own right. Later he held positions as music director at various courts. A relatively prolific composer, he wrote a fair amount of chamber music.
Op.113 No.1 is the first of a set of three published around 1825 but were clearly composed two or three decades earlier. The cover page to the quartets lists a dedication "To Students" which indicates that these works were intended for amateurs or students looking for suitable works for performance. Each of the voices is given solos. The opening movement, Allegro ma non troppo, is bright and upbeat. A lively Minuetto and trio follows. Next is a stately Adagio in the tradition of Haydn. The finale, simply marked Rondo, is actually a fetching Polonaise.
We have reprinted the original and only edition of this work from a very clean copy. For a work printed over 200 years ago, it is very easy to read. We have also added rehearsal letters. It is not difficult and can be recommended to amateurs looking for an accomplished performance work.
Parts: $19.95
