Presents

Max Joseph Winkler

String Quartet No.1 in C Major, Op.7

Max Joseph Winkler (1810-1884) was born in the Bavarian town of Waldstetten. His first music lessons were from his father and then subsequently he subsequently studied organ and composition in Dilliugen with Basilius Schwarz after which he pursued a career as a teacher, choral director, organist and composer. Most of his works were for voice and chorus although he also wrote symphonies and three string quartets.

His String Quartet No.1 in D Major was published in 1881, just a few years before his death. Most likely, however,  it was composed several years before this. It was dedicated to the then famous Walter String Quartet led by Benno Walter a cousin of Richard Strauss and his violin teacher. Strauss’s String Quartet is dedicated to the Walter Quartet. Winkler’s Quartet begins with a genial, upbeat Allegro. The second movement, Larghetto-fantasicato, features long-lined singing melodies accompanied by a constant drumbeat  ostinato. Next comes an energetic Scherzo, vivace full of forward motion. The finale, a good-natured and jovial Vivace ma non troppo.

Parts: $24.95