Presents

Hakon Børresen

Soundbite 1st Movement Soundbite 2nd Movement Soundbite 3rd Movement Soundbite 4th Movement

String Sextet in G Major, Op.5

Hakon Børresen (1876-1954) was born in Copenhagen and studied with Johann Svendsen at the Royal Danish Conservatory. His opera, the Royal Guest, is widely regarded as the best early 20th Century Danish opera and he is widely considered one of Denmark's leading 20th century composers. While his chamber music works are not numerous, they are all well-executed.

His String Sextet, Op.5 in G Major dates from 1901 and was dedicated to Edvard Grieg, who spoke highly about it. The opening Allegro moderato, ma energico, begins with a powerful, energetic and Nordic-sounding main theme. This is a very big movement, full of lovely melodies and at times unexpected and quirky rhythms. It is followed by an Allegro which, though not so marked, is a nicely conceived and somewhat genial scherzo. A sedate but gorgeous Adagio is characterized by very long-lined melodies. It is a rather reflective and introspective. The finale, Allegro molto vivace, opens in much the same fashion as the first movement. Both the first theme and second themes are Nordic, and Svendsen’s can at times be heard.

 This Sextet is a solid work from start to finish and makes an attractive addition to the repertoire which should be of interest to both amateurs and professionals. Long out of print, we are pleased to make it available to chamber music players once again.

In addition, we are pleased to offer this Sextet in a version for 2 Violins, 2 Violas, Cello and Bass. Our bass part was made by Anthony Scelba, noted bass soloist, Professor of Music and Director of the Concert Artists Program of Kean University. In an effort to give bass players a chance to play many of the great works of the chamber music repertoire, Professor Scelba has made several highly acclaimed transcriptions, including one for the Schubert Quintet D.956, which has been recorded.

(A) 2 Violins, 2 Violas & 2 Cellos-Parts	$39.95
(B) 2 Violins, 2 Violas & 2 Cellos-Parts & Score	$49.95
(C) 2 Violins, 2 Violas, Cello & Bass-Parts	$39.95
(D) 2 Violins, 2 Violas, Cello & Bass-Parts & Score	$49.95
(E) All Seven Parts	$46.95
(F) All Seven Parts & Score	$56.95