Presents
Adolphe Blanc
String Quintet No.7 in E Major
For 2 Violins, Viola, Cello and Bass (or 2 Cellos)
Adolphe Blanc's String Quintet No.7 in E Major, Op.50 was composed in 1866. It appears to be an arrangement of his famous Op.40 Septet of the same key composed in 1861. The Septet was premiered to acclaim and it is thought that Blanc’s publisher Richault asked him for an arrangement that would be accessible to more players. In this quintet, the bass is used more independently than in his prior quintets. The opening Allegro races along, full of wonderful melody, a truly lovely affair. The Andante quasi adagio is a good example of why Blanc wond the Chartier Chamber Music Prize. Each voice is beautifully melded into a seamless whole in this song like movement. The Scherzo tarantelle, allegro vivace is the kind of scherzo at which Blanc excelled. Fleet, headlong, exciting, it has everything you could ask for in this kind of movement. The finale begins with a substantial Andante maestoso introduction, a little mysterious is slowly builds tension and leads to the main section Allegro moderato but not before a big violin cadenza. The Allegro moderato is forecful, but upbeat and full of forward motion as well as full of excitement. A first class work which should be heard in concert.
Adolphe Blanc (1828-1885) was born in the French town of Manosque. His musical talent was recognized early and he entered the Paris Conservatory at age 13 first taking a diploma in violin and then studying composition with the then famous composer Fromental Halevy. Although for a time, he served as a music director of a Parisian theater orchestra, he primarily devoted himself to composing and most of his works were for chamber ensembles. During his lifetime, these works were much appreciated by professionals and amateurs alike and in 1862 he won the prestigious Chartier Chamber Music Prize. Besides the fact that his works are pleasing and deserving of performance, Blanc's historical importance cannot be underestimated. He was one of the very few in France trying to interest the public, then with only ears for opera, in chamber music. He paved the way for the success of the next generation of French composers, Among his chamber works are three string trios, four string quartets, seven string quintets—four for 2 violins, viola, cello and bass or two cellos, the other three for 2 violins, 2 violas and cello—-fifteen piano trios, three piano quartets, four piano quintets and a septet for winds and strings.
| (A) 2 Violins, Viola, Cello & Bass-Parts | $29.95 |
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| (B) 2 Violins, Viola & 2 Cellos-Parts | $29.95 |
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| (C) All Six Parts | $37.95 |
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