Presents
Conradin Kreutzer
Piano Quartet in e minor
Conradin Kreutzer’s Quartet for Piano and Strings was published by the Viennese firm of Steiner in 1834 Grand Quatour Concertante, but was thought to have been composed perhaps two decades before that. There is a striking resemblance to the style of Beethoven in his earlier years. Kreutzer knew and was on friendly terms with Beethoven and without doubt was familiar with Beethoven's work in this genre. As the title implies, the writing is in concertante style with the piano and the violin getting most but by no means all of the melodic episodes. The approach here is similar to that of Moscheles and perhaps to a lesser extent to that of Hummel. The opening Allegro risoluto is dramatic, full of energy and captivating melody. Though fairly lengthy, it holds one’s interest entirely. In the Andante grazioso, the strings take over as the piano weaves a beautiful filigree obbligato. This is a superb movement full of lovely writing for all! In the finale, also Allegro Risoluto, Kreutzer uses the instruments much as Schumann, pitting the piano against the strings led by the violin. It is quite appealing and would be successful in concert.
Conradin Kreutzer (1780-1849) was born in the German town of Messkirch. He studied violin, clarinet, oboe, organ and piano as well voice as a young man. After briefly studying law in Freiburg, he went to Vienna where he studied composition with Albrechtsberger, one of Beethoven’s teachers. He enjoyed a career as a composer and music director holding posts in Vienna, Stuttgart, Cologne and a number of other German cities. Today, if he is remembered at all, it is for his opera Der Nachtlager von Granada. However, in his time, his chamber music was highly thought of and often performed. He was a gifted melodist and his style is that of the late classical and early romantic era and in many ways resembles that of Carl Maria von Weber.
We have reprinted the original edition which while readable cannot be compared to a modern edition, of which unfortunately there is none. Our price reflects this.
Parts: $24.95
