Presents
Joseph Elsner
Piano Quartet in E flat Major, Op.15
Joseph Elsner (1769-1854) was born in the Silesian town of Grottkau, then part of Prussia, now in Poland. It is not known with whom he studied violin and composition, but he became proficient at both and served as second concertmaster in Lemberg and then in Warsaw served as a theater director and co-founder of what eventually became the Warsaw Conservatory. He pursued a career as a teacher and a composer. His influence on Polish music cannot be over estimated. Among his many student were Ignacy Dobrzynski, Stanislaw Moniusko and Frederic Chopin.
His Piano Quartet in B flat Major, Op.15 dates from 1799 and was dedicated to one of his student Countess Emilie Potocka. It was printed in Paris in 1805. It is three movements, Moderato, Andantino and Rondo. The writing shows the influence of Mozart and in many ways the work is the equal of Mozart’s piano quartets, except that Elsner makes far better use of the cello than does Mozart.
This piano quartet is full of appealing melodies and presents no technical difficulties. It is important for historical reasons showing the early development of chamber music. But it can by virtue of the fine writing and thematic material stand on its own as a work worthy of the concert hall or the stands of amateur players. We have reprinted the original and only edition. It is perfectly readable but it is not the equal of a modern edition and the piano part is only the piano part as was typical for that time and not a piano score. We offer it at a 35% discount off our normally low price for piano quartets.
Parts: $24.95
