Presents
Alexander Alyabiev
String Quartet No.1 in E flat Major New Edition'
“Fate is quixotic. Glinka is known as the 'Father of Russian Music', yet Alyabiev began composing his 500 works long before Glinka was on the scene and probably was just as deserving of the title Father of Russian Music. He wrote several operas on Russian subjects long before Glinka did, e.g. Prisoner of the Caucasus based on Pushkin."---The Chamber Music Journal
Alexander Alyabiev (1787-1851 also transliterated variously as Aliabiev, Alyabyev, Alabiev, Alaybieff etc.) was born in the Siberian city of Tobolsk which served as the capital of Western Siberia until 1917. At the time of his birth, his father was governor of the province. The family moved to St. Petersburg in 1796 where Alyabiev received piano lessons. He lived a rather romantic life, joining the Tsar’s army to fight against the invading French in 1812. He took part in the Battle of Borodino. It was about this time that his first songs were published. He became a decorated officer and continued to serve with the Army until 1823 after which he lived in St. Petersburg. He was suspected of being a member of the Decembrists, a group which tried to assassinate the Tsar in 1825. Proof was hard to come by so a false charge of murder was lodged against him. After a rigged trial, he was exiled to Siberia until 1832 after which time he was allowed to move to the Caucasus for medical reasons. He lived there until 1843 and much of his music shows the influence of this region. He wrote works in virtually every genre and is thought to have penned 3 string quartets, 2 piano trios, a piano quintet, a woodwind quintet and several instrumental sonatas. Today he is remembered for one piece, a song The Nightingale, which became incredibly famous and has remained in the repertoire. His other works, many of which were censored, fell into oblivion and he remained forgotten until the centennial anniversary of his death in 1951 brought about renewed interest in his works. Literally hundreds lay untouched and forgotten in the dusty archives of the Central Moscow State Museum Library.
Alyabiev's String Quartet No.1 dates from 1815. In four movements, stylistically, the Quartet sounds like Haydn, however Alyabiev makes much better use of the cello and viola than did Haydn. The opening movement, Allegro, repeats the lively theme throughout, but in different guises. The very emotive second movement, Adagio, shows Alyabiev talent for vocal writing as the lovely main subject could easily be sung. Both the cello and viola are give substantial and beautiful solos. The middle part of the movement features a stormy cloud burst of emotion. A typical Viennese Menuet with nicely contrasting trio comes next. The finale begins with a substantial slow, tragic, attention holding introduction in the minor. The main part of the movement, however, in the major, is light-hearted and full of energy.
Our edition is taken from the manuscript score and was carefully edited by senior editor R.H.R. Silvertrust. This Quartet could very well be the first by a Russian composer. (at the time, Glinka, the so-called father of Russian music, was all of 8 years old) In addition to being a historically important work, this Quartet can stand on its own. Concert performance would not be amiss and it is well within the range of amateurs who should not miss the chance to play it.
Parts: $29.95
Parts & Score: $39.95
