Presents
George Onslow
String Quartet No.5 in F Major, Op.8 No.2--New Edition
String Quartet No.5, Op.8 No.2 is in F Major is the second of a set of three he composed after he had taken composition lessons from Anton Reicha and dedicated to the French violin virtuoso Pierre Baillot. The tuneful opening movement, Allegro con brio, is based on an interesting grace note melody with trills. The treatment is, in parts, canonic. The second movement, Andante grazioso, though not so marked is a theme and set of variations. The theme, in d minor, is a sad shepherd's plaint. One of the variations, which features the violin, no doubt as a tribute to the dedicatee Baillot, makes an indelible impression. Next comes a Menuetto vivace which features a spritely dance presented in canonic fashion and a nicely contrasting clever trio. The finale, Allegretto scherzando, has for its main theme a bravura melody.
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. George Onslow's String Quartet No.4 was one of the most popular and frequently performed quartets of its time. Yet, until a few years ago, both he and this quartet were virtually unknown.
This quartet will be enjoyed by both amateur and professional players. It will do well in concert and historically is important becasue it stands in stark contrast to anything being composed, at least in France, at this time.
Parts: $24.95
Parts & Score: $33.95
