Presents
Carl Gottlieb Reissiger
Piano Quartet No.2 in c minor, Op.70
Writing about Carl Reissiger's chamber music, Robert Schumann had this to say, "When I think of his music, the words lovely and jewel-like come to mind. One immediately hears lovely melodies which are like a musical bouquet of beautiful flowers. Hearing and playing these works, one can count on an enjoyable experience. His music never fatigues the ear, but holds one's attention from start to finish."
With regard to works for piano and strings, the piano quartet, after the piano trio, was the most popular combination throughout the entire 19th century. Most composers wrote at least one if not more. And among such works, during his lifetime, Reissiger's were extraordinarily popular, so much so that he composed no less than 7. And his fecundity, made many of his contemporaries jealous and critical. They often would unfairly call him names such as "the poor man's Schubert." However, the public adored his music for its appealing melodies, excitement, and drama. Amateur chamber music players never ceased to enjoy playing his works and professionals performed them in concert to great success. It is a pity, the jeers of those who could not produce such ingratiating works and who were especially peeved that Reissiger could produce one after another, almost effortlessly, led to his music falling into oblivion. But now, when one of his works is encountered, the invariable reaction is, how could this work have disappeared.
Carl Gottlieb Reissiger (1798-1859) was born in the Prussian town of Belzig. He originally attended the famous Thomasschule in Leipzig as his father intended him to be a priest, however, his extraordinary musical talent was recognized and he was encouraged to pursue a musical career. His initial studies were with Johann Schlicht, Bach's fifth successor as Cantor of the Thomasschule. Subsequently, he went to Vienna and studied with Salieri. An early opera attracted Carl Maria von Weber's attention and Reissiger went to Dresden, eventually succeeding Weber as Music Director of the Dresden Court Orchestra, a post he held until his death. A leading conductor of German opera, Wagner worked under Reissiger for nearly a decade. Reissiger premiered Wagner's first opera. A prolific composer, as most composers of that time were, he penned works in virtually every genre. His works show the influence of the Viennese masters, in particular Schubert and Beethoven.
His second piano quartet, Piano Quartet No.2 in c minor, Op.70 dates from 1831. It opens with a slow, pensive Andante introduction which builds tension and leads to a lovely melancholy, singing Allegro. The second movement, Andantino, is akin to a song without words. Next comes a playful Scherzo, presto, full of forward drive. A beautiful trio provides excellent contrast. The finale, an Allegro, sports a fetching main theme of lament is dramatically developed. When one of his works is encountered, the invariable reaction is, how could this work have disappeared.
We have reprinted one of the earliest editions. Sadly there are no later ones. It is not pristine like a modern edition and while perfectly readable and performable, nevertheless we have taken this into account and have reduced the standard piano quartetprice by 20%,
Parts: $29.95
