Presents
Franz Krommer
String Quartet in F Major, Op.5 No.2-New Edition
Franz Krommer's String Quartet in F Major, Op.5 No.2, the second of a set of three, was composed in 1795. It is a work from his early period and follows the Mannheim pattern of three movements—Fast, Slow, Fast--and is written in concertante style, that is to say, each voice is given solos and is accompanied by the others. It begins with a genial Allegro moderato, which gradually picks up pace and excitement as movement is developed. The middle movement is a delicate Adagio. The finale, is an interesting and engaging Rondo.
Franz Krommer (1759-1831) was one of the most successful composers in Vienna at the turn of the 18th Century. His reputation was attested to by the fact that his works were frequently republished throughout Germany, England, France, Italy, Scandinavia and the U.S. According to contemporaries, he was regarded along with Haydn as the leading composer of string quartets and as a serious rival of Beethoven. Krommer was a Czech violinist of considerable ability who came to Vienna around 1785. For the following 10 years he held appointments at various aristocratic courts in Hungary. He returned to Vienna in 1795 where he remained until his death, holding various positions including that of Court Composer (Hofmusiker) to the Emperor, Franz I. There are more than 300 compositions which were at one time or another published, much of which is chamber music.
This popular quartet went through many editions and was often programmed in concerts throughout the 19th century. Our new edition is based on the 1820 third edition by Andre of Offenbach and makes an excellent program choice where a fresh and appealing work from the classical era is required. And, it is a work which can be warmly recommended to amateurs as well.
Parts: $24.95
Parts & Score: $31.95
