Presents
Arthur Foote
Tema & Variazioni for String Quartet, Op.32
(String Quartet No.2)
Foote's String Quartet No.2 was completed in 1893. It was performed the next year after which Foote decided to withdraw it. Eight years later In 1901, he decided to publish the third movement, which was nearly as long as the rest of the quartet and which consisted of a theme and substantial set of six variations. In these variations, Foote shows the tremendous versatility and range of his compositional skills. The theme, as is generally the case, is a lovely and simple. From it, Foote creates six diverse and contrasting variations, each with its own tonal color and mood.
Arthur Foote (1853-1937) certainly was the equal of nearly any of his European contemporaries, but the fact that he was an American, at a time when American composers were not generally taken seriously, was without doubt an insurmountable obstacle to his achieving the reputation he deserved. Foote was born in Salem, Massachusetts and was the first important American composer trained entirely in America. His main teacher was John Knowles Paine, from whom Foote gained an admiration for and was primarily influenced by the leading Central European Romantic composers of the day, such as Mendelssohn, Schumann, Dvorak and Brahms.
This fine work would make an excellent showcase for concert groups seeking a shorter work and will also appeal to amateurs.
Parts $15.95
Parts & Score: $21.95
