Presents
Friedrich Ernst Fesca
String Quartet No.4 in b minor, Op.2 No.1-New Edition
Friedrich Ernst Fesca (1789-1826) was born in the German town of Magdeburg. He studied piano and violin with several different teachers, including for a short time Ludwig Spohr. By age 16 had already obtained a position as a violinist in the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. Not long after, he was employed as solo violinist to the Court of Jerome Bonaparte, at that time, King of Westphalia. After this he lived for a while in Vienna where he befriended the famous violinist, Ignaz Schuppanzigh, first violinist of the famous Beethoven Razumovsky String Quartet. His final years were spent working in Karlsruhe along with fellow composer Franz Danzi. He composed in nearly every genre from opera to solo piano works, however, the bulk of his out put was chamber music. Carl Maria von Weber, writing of Fesca’s chamber music, had this to say. “Mr. Fesca is completely master of whatever he undertakes to express. I am fully convinced of his remarkable talent. His works are carefully written, thoroughly elaborated and richly flavored." Spohr, upon hearing a performance of one of the Op.1 string quartets called it a fine work full of talent.
String Quartet No.4 was the first of a set of three that was published in 1816 but were composed arond 1810. The opening Allegro moderato, begins with a somewhat melancholy theme but tension and tempo quickly build to create as sense of foward movement. which gradually turns into a tuneful and swinging melody. The second movement, Poco adagio, is sad and reflective. The bright and upbeat Menuetto allegro, has shades of Haydn and stormy interludes reminiscent of early Beethoven. A diffident trio section with pizzicato provides a nice contrast. The finale, Allegro, is a toe-tapping, dancing rondo.
Fesca’s tuneful works were popular through out most of the first half of the 19th century, but like so many other good pieces disappeared for no real discernable reason. We are pleased to reintroduce an early quartet which certainly makes an excellent alternative to the inevitable Haydn or Mozart.
Parts: $24.95
Parts & Score: $34.95
