Presents
Arthur Foote
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Soundbites |
Serenade, Op.25
For 4 Violins, 2 Violas, 2 Cellos & Bass
Arthur Foote (1853-1937) certainly was the equal of nearly any of his European contemporaries, but the fact that he was an American, at a time when American composers were not generally taken seriously, was without doubt an insurmountable obstacle to his achieving the reputation he deserved. Foote was born in Salem, Massachusetts and was the first important American composer trained entirely in America. His main teacher was John Knowles Paine, from whom Foote gained an admiration for and was primarily influenced by the leading Central European Romantic composers of the day, such as Mendelssohn, Schumann, Dvorak and Brahms. If Arthur Foote's his name is not entirely unknown, it is fair to say that his music is. This is a shame especially as far as chamber musicians are concerned. Foote’s chamber music is first rate, deserving of regular public performance,
The Serenade was composed in 1891 and consists of five movements each with a title inspired by the baroque. The opening movement, Praeludium, an introductory form often used by Bach, though it sounds nothing like him. Instead, we find lush melodic writing showing, perhaps, some influence of Brahms. The second movement, Air, is in G Major and is clearly modeled after Bach's Air on the G string. Next comes a sprightly Intermezzo which features solos for cello and violin. In fourth place is a lovely Romanze. The finale is an upbeat, dance-like Gavotte.
When recorded, it is usually by a large string orchestra, which Foote did not intend and the music loses its intimacy. This is a first rate work which illustrates Foote's compositional talent and gift for melody. It will be sure to make a good impression in concert.
Parts: $49.95
Parts & Score: $59.95
