Presents
Joseph Mayseder
String Quartet No.2 in g minor, Op.6
Mayseder’s String Quartet No.2 in g minor is one of the first works he composed, dating from 1811 when he was only 22. Like much of his chamber music, it is a highly dramatic, and often operatic work, full of the energy and fervor of youth. The powerful first movement, Allegro, opens with a series of thrusing passages passed from instrument to instrument accompanied to an urgent, restless accompaniment. Lyrical episodes relieve the tension. What is surprising is that this is closer to a work of the middle Romantic period, anticipating Mendelssohn and Schumann. The second movement, Andante, has a gentle, very romantic theme for its main subject. The third movement, Menuetto, allegretto, is thrusting and searching, creating a sense of unease. The cello is give an important role. The contrasting trio is a singing Ländler. The finale, Allegro molto, begins as a kind of stormy, moto perpetuum beginning with the first violin with others quickly taking part in this rousing and exciting movementr.
Joseph Mayseder (1789-1863) was born in Vienna. He began to study the violin at an early age and was quickly recognized as a child prodigy and was therefore turned over to the most famous violinists and teachers then in Vienna, Paul and Anton Wranitzky and Ignaz Schuppanzigh. He also studied composition with Emanuel Aloys Förster. At the age of 21, he was appointed concertmaster of the Vienna Court Opera and subsequently was appointed soloist of the K. und K. (Royal and Imperial) orchestra, which he later conducted. He was not only considered one of the finest violin soloists of his day, but also chaired Vienna’s leading string quartet. In addition to this, he was a respected composer, mainly of chamber music, whose works achieved great popularity not only in his lifetime but right up until the First World War. He was a sought after teacher and the famous soloist. Heinrich Wilhelm Ernst numbered among his students.
Long unavailable, we have reprinted the original first edition. It is a quartet, with its beautiful melodies and excitement that is sure to be a hit with concert audiences. It can also be recommended to amateur quarters who have an excellent first violinist.
Parts: $24.95
