Presents
Joseph Küffner
String Quartet No.6 in D Major, Op.48 No.3
Joseph Küffner's String Quartet in D Major, Op.48 No.3, the last of a set for three dating from 1816, is proof of how far his reputation had spread. The quartets were commisioned by the St. Caecilia Musical Society of New York City. Küffner's chamber music was regularly performed in concert throughout Europe during his lifetime and was among the favorites of amateurs as well. The work begins with an tuneful Allegro with a persistent drum beat rhythm. Next comes an Andante, which though not so marked, a theme and set of variations. The theme is a somber folk melody and the succeeding variations, each instrument is given a chance to shine. The third movement, Minuetto, allegro is unusual for its unisono accents. A slower trio section consisting of a charming Ländler provides a fine contrast. The finale, Rondo Russe, is full of forward motion and again offers each instrument to take the lead.
Joseph Küffner (1776-1856) was born in the Bavarian city of Wurzburg where his father was the court music director. Küffner studied violin and served as a member of the Ducal Orchestra as well as a soloist. Besides the violin, he was proficient on the harpsichord, piano, organ, clarinet, bassethorn and guitar. He later was appointed Military Music Director of Bavaria. His works for military band were so well thought of that for several decades the Armies of the Bavaria marched to his music. He wrote over 300 works in all genres, of which the bulk were for chamber ensembles and which were extraordinarily popular during his lifetime. Today, he is exclusively remembered for his compositions for the guitar and for wind instruments. Yet, during his lifetime, his compositions for strings, in particular his string quartets, were very popular as evidenced by the commission he received from as far away as New York.
We have reprinted the first edition and though it is nothing like a modern edition it is readable. We are often asked why we do not just make a modern edition of deserving works, and certainly, this is one. The answer in a word is cost. It is very expensive to do this and where the older edition is readable, we feel it serves both the revival of the music as well as the pocketbooks of musicians to make the older edition available. Of course, the price reflects the fact it is not a modern edition. This is a good work to play and hear.
Parts: $19.95
