Presents
Randall Thompson
String Quartet No. 2 in G Major
Randall Thompson (1899-1984) was born in New York City and studied music at Harvard and the Eastman Conservatory. After graduating, he studied with Gian Francesco Malipiero in Italy before return to the States to take up a number of teaching positions at Harvard, Virginia and the Curtis Institute. Among his many students was Leonard Bernstein. He wrote in most genres but was best known for his choral works.
Thompson's Second String Quartet was composed to comemmorate the 130th anniversary of the Harvard Musical Association in 1967. As such, it is a celebratory work. The lively opening movement, Prelude, Allegro vivace, is full of running passages in all the voices. The second movement, Air and Variations, is a very modern take on the old Baroque standby. Next comes a lyrical Adagio, using American folk melody. The finale, Allegro con brio, is full of forward drive, making for a fitting conclusion.
An choice for American performing groups who would do well to program this quartet and certainly to take with them on tours abroad as well. It can also be recommended to amateur quartet groups.
Parts: $24.95
