Presents
George Onslow
String Quartet No.3 in a minor, Op.4 No.3-New Edition
“Onslow composed his first three string quartets, in the summer of 1807, before he began his formal study of composition with Anton Reicha, which makes them a rather extraordinary achievement when one hears them. String Quartet No.3 in a minor, Op.4 No.3 begins Allegro moderato but this is somewhat misleading as the stormy and dramatic opening is full of power and drive. Onslow uses triplet rhythms in quite a novel fashion anticipating late Schubert. The closing bars to the movement, though not marked as such, seem clearly to be an exciting stretto which leaves the listener gasping for breath. A Menuetto-Allegretto (in reality a scherzo) serves as the second movement. Although one is reminded a bit of a Mendelssohn scherzo, the sound and thematic material is pure Onslow. A relaxed and beautifully contrasting trio follows. It is a hunting musette, one hears the call of the horns in the double stops of the viola and cello. A lovely Andante sostenuto follows. It is sSad and religious in feeling, one hears the resignation of a final leave-taking. Great depth of feeling further accentuated by the chordal sonorities of the lower strings. The very fine Finale, Allegro is in 2/4. To the accompaniment of racing 16th notes, an exciting and fast-moving melody is introduced. Light in touch, it is developed, briefly, as a fugue. It is full of drama and fetching use of chromaticism. This first rate movement is a fitting conclusion to a work that belongs in the concerthall. "---The Chamber Music Journal
Perhaps no composer more than George Onslow (1784-1853) illustrates the fickleness of fame. Onslow was born and lived his entire life in France, the son of an English father and French mother. His 36 string quartets and 34 string quintets were a constant feature of concert programs throughout the 19th century, particularly in Germany, Austria and England. where he was regularly placed in the front rank of composers by such experts as Mendelssohn and Schumann. His work was admired by both Beethoven and Schubert, the latter modeling his own 2 cello quintet (D.956) on those of Onslow and not, as is so often claimed, on those of Boccherini.
This is an important quartet both historically and on its merits. It should appeal to both professionals and amateurs alike. We are pleased to present an all new edition based on the original Pleyel edition.
Parts: $29.95
Score & Parts: $36.95
