Presents
Joseph Eybler
String Quartet No.6 in C Major, Op.10 No.3-New Edition
Joseph Eybler's String Quartet No.6 in C Major is the third of a set which he completed in 1790. They show the influence of Haydn's middle period, the quartets that Haydn composed during that decade. Perhaps this was in large part due to the fact that Eybler worked quite closely with Haydn during those years and the latter championed Eybler’s works. Although one can hear the influence of both Haydn and Mozart, which is hardly surprising, Eybler's music is nonetheless full of originality. This is illustrated by the fact that the lower voices are treated far more equally than one finds in Haydn from the same period. In four movements, the opening Allegro moderato, is genial with pleasing melodies, and recalls Haydn. Next comes a stately Adagio. The Menuetto which follows is a true classical Viennese dance. The trio is somewhat on the dark side. The finale, Rondo, is buoyant and full of energy.
Though unknown today, Joseph Eybler (1765-1846) certainly was well-known in his own time. His friend and teacher Mozart wrote the following letter of recommendation:
“I the undersigned hereby testify that I have found the bearer, Mr. Joseph Eybler, a worthy pupil of his famous master Albrechtsberger, a thorough composer, equally skilled in chamber and church styles, very experienced in compositional technique, as well as an excellent organ and piano player—-in short a young musician such as regrettably has few peers.”
And Eybler's other famous teacher Albrechtsberger wrote: "After Mozart, Eybler is the greatest musical genius to be found in Vienna." The musical talent which so impressed Mozart and Albrechtsberger is on display in Eybler’s Op.1 String Quartets. Although one can hear the influence of both Haydn and Mozart, which is hardly surprising, Eybler music is nonetheless full of originality. This is illustrated by the fact that the lower voices are treated far more equally than one finds in Haydn from the same period.
This quartet is an excellent choice where a substitute for a Haydn or Mozart work is sought. Amateurs will certainly get enjoyment from a fresh sounding late classical work. Our new edition is numbered and takes page turns for performance into account.
Parts: $24.95
Parts & Score: $31.95
