Presents
Franz Krommer
String Quintet No.20 in d minor, Op.100 No.1
For 2 Violins, 2 Violas and Violoncello
Franz Krommer's attractive String Quintet in d minor, Op.100 No.1 was the first of a set of three completed in 1819. Like so much of his music, it is full of catchy melodies, unusual use of rhythm and original touches, which make it easy to see why his music was immensely popular during his lifetime and was known throughout Europe and even as far away as the United States, going through several editions. The set was dedicated to the Austrian Emperor Franz I with whom Krommer was on friendly terms and regularly played string quartets and other chamber music. The first movement, an Allegro moderato, begins with a series of ominous unisono chords. The rest of the movement is full of forward motion and much energy. The lovely second movement, Andante, has a fetching main theme full of charm, initially introduced by the first violin over the pizzicato accompaniment of the others. Though not so marked, the movement is actually a set of interesting and contrastiong variations of the theme. In third place is Viennese Minuetto allegretto with a pounding subject for the main theme. The trio section is even quicker, unusual for a trio section. The finale, Allegro moderato con scherzo, is a real tour d’force, full of excitement and toe-tapping melodies.
"Franz Krommer's String Quintets are sure to please those chamber music players seeking something new and fresh from the classical era. They can be recommended for concert performance as well as to amateur enthusiasts."----Wilhelm Altmann writing in his Chamber Music Handbook
Franz Krommer (1759-1831) was born in town of Kamnitz then part of the Habsburg Austrian Empire (today Kamenice in the Czech Republic) A violinist of the first rank, he moved to Vienna in the 1780's and became was one of its most successful composers by the turn of the 18th Century. According to several contemporary sources he was regarded with Haydn as the leading composer of string quartets and as a serious rival of Beethoven. Such was the universal high regard in which he was held that he was appointed Court Composer (Hofmusiker) to the Emperor, Franz I, an enthusiastic quartet player. He was the last composer to hold this august title and one of his duties was accompanying the Emperor on his various campaigns so that he could relax in the evenings playing quartets.
A fine choice not only for concert performance but also for amateur music makers to whom we warmly recommendi this quintet.
Parts: $29.95
