Presents
Pierre Baillot
String Quartet No.1 in b minor, Op.34 No.1-New Edition
Pierre Baillot (1771--1842) was a French violinist and composer born in the town of Passy just outside of Paris. He studied the violin under Giovanni Battista Viotti who was then considered the greatest living violinist. Baillot concertized throughout Europe as a soloist for several decades and was widely regarded as one of the greatest living violinists. He eventually taught at the Paris Conservatory and together with Pierre Rode and Rodolphe Kreutzer, wrote the Conservatory's official violin method. He instructional book, L'Art du violon, had a profound influence on technical and musical development in an age in which virtuosity was openly encouraged. He was leader of the Paris Opera Orchestra and was a notable performer of chamber music.
He was particularly fond of quartets and played in several prominent ensembles in Paris. He wrote three string quartets which were published in 1823 but were probably composed several years before that. The String Quartet in b minor is the first of the set. The opening movement, Allegro non troppo, is dramatic and has several interesting rhythmic effects. The second movement, Menuetto is subtitled, a la espagnole and accurately reproduces several Spanish dance rhythms. The third movement, Larghetto, is a lovely song without works. The finale, Presto, is full of bumptious ener gy.
With its appealing melodies, this quartet plays easily and presents no technical difficulties. It is historically important because it provides a window into French music making at the time, but it is also a fine choice for amateurs and students looking for a performance work. Our new edition is based on the original and only edition of this work, the 1823 Probst edition of Leipzig.
Parts: $24.95
