Presents
Franz Alexander Pössinger
String Quintet No.1 in c minor, Op.3 No.1
Franz Alexander Pössinger (1767-1827) was born in Vienna, where he lived for his entire life. He studied violin and viola as well as composition from Georg Albrechtsberger, who taught the likes of Beethoven. Pössinger, from the time he completed his studies until his death, served as a member of the violin section in the Imperial Court Orchestra. He was also a composer, mostly of chamber music and a much sought after arranger. His arrangements of Rossini operas were much in demand and Beethoven, with whom he was a friend, asked him to arrange his fourth piano concerto, even before it was printed, for piano and string quintet.
The String Quintet in c minor, Op.3 No.1, for 2 violins, 2 violas and cello, is the first of a set of three that was composed and published in the late 1790s. The opening movement, Allegro maestoso, opens in relaxed fashion. The main theme, sung by the first violin is quite fetching. As the others join in the tempo picks up. The music is in the style of the late Vienna classical era. The second movement is a Haydnesque Menuetto allegretto. A playful and quite original trio section follows. The clever use of grace notes characterizes the trio. Next comes and Andante marked Romance. It begins in genial, lyrical fashion but almost immediately the off-beat rhythm gives the music a vaguely ominouos feel. The finale, Un poco Allegretto, is a jaunty, toe-tapping affair.
The is a fine work by a composer who knew and worked with virtually all of Vienna's important composers. As a consumate chamber music player, he knew how to write for these kinds of ensembles. It is a worthy addition to the quintet literature from this period and can be recommended both for concert and home music makers. We have reprinted the one and only edition which is over 200 years old. It is not difficult to read, but it is nothing like a modern edition. For that reason, we offer it at nearly half the normal price for string quintets.
Parts: $19.95
