Presents
Friedrich Gernsheim
Cello Sonata No.1 in d minor, Op.12
Gernsheim’s Cello Sonata No.1 in d minor dates from 1868 while he was teaching in Cologne. The opening movement, Andante con moto, is sad and somewhat melancholy. The middle movement, Allegretto, has for its main theme a Ländler-like or country dance theme. It is a leisurely scherzo. The finale, Allegro con brio, begins in interesting fashion with a fugue in the major.
Friedrich Gernsheim (1839-1916) is a composer whose music was held in the highest regard by his colleagues and critics during his lifetime. Brahms and Max Bruch were among the many who were admirers. Gernsheim, somewhat of a piano and violin virtuoso as a child, was eventually educated at the famous Leipzig Conservatory where he studied piano with Ignaz Moscheles and violin with Ferdinand David. After graduating, he continued his studies in Paris, getting to know Saint Saëns, Lalo, Liszt and Rossini. Despite his admiration for France and the French, he returned to Germany and during the course of his life, he held academic and conducting positions in Cologne, Rotterdam and finally Berlin. Gernsheim wrote in most genres and chamber music occupied him thoughout his life. He has five string quartets, four piano trios, three piano quartets and two piano quintets to his credit as well as numerous instrumental sonatas. So in Gernsheim, we have a composer who was both a first rate pianist and violinist which explains the very high level of his four violin sonatas.
Out of print and unavailable for 150 years. We were only able to find a copy in a library in a bound book, which unfortunately made the piano part not exactly flat. There is no problem reading the music, but it is not like a modern edition and for that reason we are offering it at a substantial discount from our regular sonata price. An excellent choice for a recital, we hope cellists will take the opportunity to present it..
Parts: $19.95
