Recently Published Chamber Music

In his time, MUZIO CLEMENTI (1752-1832) was one of the most sought after piano teachers in Europe. Among his many students who became famous pianists in their own right were Johann Cramer, John Field and Ignaz Moscheles. But Clementi was also a sought after concert pianist and his many compositions for piano and strings have remained popular to this day. It is thought that his NONETTO IN E FLAT MAJOR .for winds and strings was inspired by Louis Spohr's the third of a famous work for the same instrumentation. This tuneful work will please concert audiences and is in no way beyond amateurs who would like to play and or present a work like this.	The American composer RUBIN GOLDMARK (1872-1936) if he is remembered at all, it is as the nephew of the famous Austrian composer Carl Goldmark and the teacher of George Gershwin and Aaron Gopland. But Rubin Goldmark was a highly talented and gifted composer as his outstanding PIANO QUARTET IN A MAJOR clearly shows. It would not be far wrong to call it a late Romantic era masterpiece. It is truly unfathomable how a work of this quality could be neglected, especially by American ensembles, and assigned to oblivion. We think if you listen to our generous soundbites, you will agree. We are pleased and honored to make this piano quartet available once again. It goes without saying that it belongs in the concert hall. Good amateurs will also get pleasure from it.
ROBERT VOLKMANN (1815-1883) was often regarded as the link between Schumann and Brahms. His style reflects the influence of Beethoven, Schumann and Mendelssohn. During his lifetime his music was often performed and championed by famous performers including Franz Liszt. His SCHLUMMERLIED FOR VIOLIN OR VIOLA, CELLO AND PIANO is an excellent example not only of his gift for melody but also style. Originally for viola, cello and piano, we have added a violin part in lieu of the viola so that a standard piano trio can perform this beautiful work. It makes for a great short program work or encore and should not be missed by amateurs as well.	GEORGE ONSLOW (1784-1853) was held to be in the front rank of composers by such experts as Mendelssohn and Schumann, who freely compared his quartets to those of Mozart and Beethoven and found them not to be wanting. Perhaps no composer more than George Onslow illustrates the fickleness of fame. Publishers fought over the right to publish his chamber music and his string quartet were regularly performed on concert programs far and wide. That they could disappear from the concert repertoire is unfathomable. It is only in the last several years that his magnificent chamber music has been rediscovered. His STRING QUARTET NO.12 IN E FLAT MAJOR .is the third of a famous set of three. Concert audiences are sure to applaud it and amateur players will also get great pleasure from it.
BOHUSLAV MARTINU (1890-1959) is generally considered the most important Czech composer of the 20th century. His style varied over the course of his life. His earliest works showed the influence of musical education and has the sounds of late Central European Romanticism. When he move to Paris in 1923, eschewed this style in favor of the latest developments there such as the use of jazz. By the time he came to write his SERENADE NO.2 FOR TWO VIOLINS & VIOLA .he was attracted to and began to write in a neo-classical style. This appealing works reflects his interest in this style. The writing is fluent for the three equal voices and the music quite appealing. A fine choice for the concert hall but not beyond amateurs.	MAX BRUCH (1838-1920) after the likes of Brahms, Mendelssohn, Wagner and Schumann, Bruch ranks even today as one of the better known 19th and early 20th century German composers, mostly on the strength of his works for violin and orchestra. Most of the chamber music which was published during his lifetime was composed in his youth. When he died, several of his chamber music works remained in manuscripts in the German State Library and gained attention toward the end of the 20th century. His attractive PIANO QUINTET IN G MINOR was one such work. The result of a commision from a group of amateurs in Liverpool, the quintet was completed in 1888. Fine choice for concert & especially for amateurs.
CHARLES DANCLA (1817-1907) was one of the most famous violinists active in France for half a century. He was the Leader of the Paris Opera Orchestra, a Professor at the Paris Conservatory and a prolific composer of educational as well as works designed for concert performance. A consumate chamber music player as well, he wrote many works for chamber ensembles. His ANDANTE MELODIQUE FOR PIANO TRIO is a lovely short work which makes a fine selection for the concert hall. But this appealing work with its beautiful melodies can also be tackled by amateurs who are sure to enjoy it.	EMIL HARTMANN (1836-1898) was the son of one of Denmark's most prominent composerJohan Peter Emilius or as he was known J.P.E. Hartmann. Taught primarily by his father, Emil became a gifted composer in his own right. Unfortunately at the time in Denmark composers could not earn a living this way and he, just like Niels Gade, worked as an organist. His STRING QUARTET NO.4 IN C MINOR .was the only one of his string quartets which caught the attention of the critics who praised it highly. It received several concert performances both in Denmark and Germany. This is a highly effective work which would do very well in concert and which can be recommended to amateur enthusiasts.
Was he an ethnic Lithuanian or a German living in the culturally mixed region known at the time as East Prussia. The issue has never been conclusively resolved. Most likely, he was an ethnic Lithuanian whose name was spelled Maksas Lauriskas. However, when he came to Berlin to study, he spelled his name MAX LAURISCHKUS (1876-1929) which was either his original name or the Germanized version of his Lithuanian name. It was, however, the only name under which his music, including his AUS LITAUEN, A QUINTET FOR WINDS .was published. An evocative work, a kind of tone poem, filled with LIthuanian melodies. A find choice for concert and not at all hard to play, hence also excellent for amateurs	LOUIS SPOHR (1784-1859) truly qualified for the title of "Renaissance Man". Not only was he one of Europe's leading violin virtuosos during his life time, he was also a sought after composer and conductor. The first to use a baton when conducting an orchestra, he was also the inventor of the chin rest for the violin. And he regularly performed in chamber music ensembles in addition to play concerti. His SEPTET FOR PIANO, FLUTE, CLARINET, BASSOON, HORN, VIOLIN & CELLO IN A MINOR came toward the end of his life, but still showed him in full command of his compositional powers. Richly scored, each instrument is given a chance to shine. A fine choice for concert and not to be missed by competent players.