Presents
Gustav Schreck
Nonet in E Major, Op.40
For 2 Flutes, Oboe, 2 Clarinets, 2 Horns and 2 Bassoons
Gustav Schreck (1849-1918) was born in the German town of Zeulenroda. He grew up in a musical household and was given piano lessons. After completing studies at a teacher training college he entered the Leipzig Conservatory and studied with Ernst Friedrich Richter a compostion teacher who was also the cantor at the famous Thomas Church. After completing his studies, he obtained a teaching in Finland where he remained for four years. He then returned to Leipzig working as a freelance composer, eventually obtaining a position as a teacher of composition and music theory at the Leipzig Conservatory in 1887, a position he held for 30 years. In 1892, he was appointed Thomaskantor, generally regarded as the most eminient cantor's position in the world. In 1900, Schreck became one of the founding members of the New Bach Society.
His music was characterized by a contrapuntal technique and singable vocal lines. He largely avoided the influence of Wagner and later Reger. His Nonet for Winds dates from 1885 but was not published until 1905, It is one of the few works of chamber music that he composed. It is for the unusual combination of two flutes, one oboe, two clarinets, two horns, and two bassoons. His reason for its writing is unknown although it may have been with the members of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra in mind. It has many vocal qualities to it as one might expect from a composer primarily of vocal music. The melodic material is constantly passed between all instruments, sometimes only a measure at a time. It is not an overly difficult work, and could be handled by a amateur ensemble. The first movement begins with a Largo introduction which leads to an Allegro ma non troppo. The second movement is a Scherzo and trio, primarily in the minor, Here, there are much lengthier melodic theses and each instrument, when given the melody, keeps it for a longer period of time. The third movement, Adagio di molto, is a theme and set of variations. The final movement, Allegro risoluto, is a high spirited affair with the flute playing at times almost assuming a military character.
| (A) Parts | $59.95 |
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| (B) Parts & Score | $74.95 |
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