Presents

Alexander Kuznetsov

String Quartet in G Major, Op.17

Alexander Kuznetsov (1847-1918 also spelled Kouznetzoff, Kuznetzov) was born in the Russian capital of St Petersburg. He studied at the conservatory there as a pupil of the famous Russian virtuoso cellist Karl Davidoff. A first rate cellist himself, Kuznetsov became a member from 1871 to 1883 of the Russian Quartet, the leading ensemble at the time in Russia. A contemporary and friend of Tchaikovsky, a fellow conservatory student, Kuznetzov, at Tchaikovsky's request, took the part of first cellist in the premiere of Tchaikovsky.s string sextet, Souvenir de Florence. He taught at the Alexander Lyceum, the Imperial School just outside of St Petersburg founded in 1811 by Tsar Alexnder I. Most of his works were for cello, including two suites for four cellos which gained considerable popularity among cellists during his lifetime.

His String Quartet in G Major was composed in 1906 and published the following year. It was dedicated to the St Petersburg Chamber Music Society. It is in four movements. In the opening movement, Allegro moderato, the cello presents the long-lined lyrical melody, which is further developed by the violin before an even more romantic second theme is presented. The second movement subtitled Légende, but marked Agitato non troppo, is dark, sad and somewhat brooding. Next comes a Scherzo, marked Vivo but it is more in the nature of a dance. The finale, Allegro pastorale, captivates from the opening bars with its pizzicato introduction that leads to a singing melody.

This is a fine work. It is a good representative of the Belaiev School and is sure to make a good impression in the concert hall. As it presents no real technical difficulties, it should also be of interest to amateurs. Long out of print, we are pleased to make it available again.

Parts: $24.95