Presents
Woldemar Bargiel
String Quartet No.2 in minor--New Edition
Woldemar Bargiel (1828-97) was Clara Schumann’s half brother. Throughout their lives, they enjoyed a warm relationship and thanks to Clara, Bargiel was introduced to both Robert Schumann and Felix Mendelssohn who encouraged him to study at the famous Leipzig Conservatory with two of the leading men of music: Ignaz Moscheles (piano) and Niels Gade (composition). Bargiel held positions at the conservatories in Cologne and Rotterdam before accepting a position at the prestigious Hochschule fur Musik in Berlin where he taught for the rest of his life. Among his many students were Paul Juon and Leopold Godowsky. While Bargiel did not write a lot of music, most of what he composed was well thought out and shows solid musical craftsmanship. His chamber music—he wrote four string quartets, a string octet and three piano trios—represents an important part of his output.
Bargiel’s String Quartet No.2 in d minor was not published during his lifetime. It was composed between 1848 and 1850. It is not clear why he never chose to publish it, but he did think highly enough of it not to destroy the manuscript which resides in the the German National Library in Berlin. Only 22 when he completed the quartet,. it is clearly the work of a young man under the influence, as were his teachers, of the famous founders of the Leipzig Conservatory teachers--Mendelssohn and Schumann. The dramatic opening movement, Allegro appassionato, begins with a melancholy, yearning melody that alternates betweens stormy and delicate, lyrical sections. In the second movement, Adagio, the cello brings forth a lovely, sad theme. It has the feel of a song without words, however, it is punctuated by repeated outbursts upsetting the calm atmosphere. A playful, energetic Scherzo follows. The finale, Allegro vivace, is restless and filled with a sense of mystery and drama.
This quartet is fun to play and can be warmly recommended to amateurs but is also strong enought to be presented in concert. Our edition was made by senior editor Santo Neuenwelt from the manuscript in the Deutsche Nationalbibliothek. (German State Library).
Parts: $24.95
Parts & Score: $33.95
