Presents
Constantin Dimitrescu
String Quartet No.2 in d minor, Op.26
Constantin Dimitrescu (1847-1928) is without doubt one of Romania's most important composers from its late romantic period. Born in Blejoi-Prahova, a small town not far from Bucharest, he was taken to the capital at an early age once his musical talent was recognized. There he studied cello and composition with the best teachers available. Funds were subsequently made available for him to continue his education in Vienna and then later in Paris where he studied with, among others, the famous cello virtuoso Auguste Franchomme. Upon his return to Bucharest, he became principal cellist of the Bucharest Philharmonic and also of the National Theater Orchestra. In later years, he served as conductor for both. He was also engaged as a professor at the Bucharest Conservatory. Despite his many occupations and duties, Dimitrescu nevertheless found time to compose orchestral and operatic works as well as chamber music. In fact, it was his great love of chamber music which led him to found Bucharest's first permanent string quartet. He served as its cellist for many years. Thus it comes as no surprise to find that throughout his long musical life, Dimitrescu composed string quartets, seven in all.
String Quartet No.2 dates from 1885. It is full of tuneful melodies which, particularly in the outer movements, are presented in quite an exciting fashion. The opening Moderato begins with a restless, yearning theme. Suddenly a gorgeous, sunny melody brightens the mood, later a playful third subject appears. The second movement, Adagio non troppo, is tinged with Mendelsohnian sadness and includes a very melancholy section marked lamentoso which over tremolo accompaniment rises to climax before fading away. Next comes a hard driving, Menuetto, moderato. The quartet is topped off with a very dramatic and exciting finale, Allegro appassionato. Written by a string player who was an accomplished quartetter, this work sounds well and plays easily.
Parts: $24.95
