Presents
Joseph Mayseder
Variations concertantes for Piano Quartet, Op.57
Mayseder’s Op.57 Variations Concertantes in D Major was completed in 1840 and published in 1842. It was dedicated to Franz von Heintl an Imperial Financial Official in whose home Mayseder often played chamber music. It is of a genre which was quite popular throughout most of the 19th century and while not intended to be of a serious nature, is nonetheless important historically as it gives an accurate picture of what audiences of the day demanded and enjoyed. As the subtitle, Variations Concertantes, suggests, it is a theme and set of six variations designed to showcase the instrumental abilities of the individual players. A short Allegro vivace introduction opens the work. The first variation is given over to the cello who is taken to its very highest register. The following variations given each instrument a chance while the sixth is a virtuosic tour d'force which leads to the dramatic finale.
Joseph Mayseder (1789-1863) was born in Vienna. He began to study the violin at an early age and was quickly recognized as a child prodigy and was therefore turned over to the most famous violinists and teachers then in Vienna, Paul and Anton Wranitzky and Ignaz Schuppanzigh. He also studied composition with Emanuel Aloys Förster. At the age of 21, he was appointed concertmaster of the Vienna Court Opera and subsequently was appointed soloist of the K. und K. (Royal and Imperial) orchestra, which he later conducted. He was not only considered one of the finest violin soloists of his day, but also chaired Vienna’s leading string quartet. In addition to this, he was a respected composer, mainly of chamber music, whose works achieved great popularity not only in his lifetime but right up until the First World War. He was a sought after teacher and the famous soloist Heinrich Wilhelm Ernst numbered among his students.
We have reprinted the original Diabelli edition. Aimed at good players, this is a work which will certainly garner applause from audiences which have the chance to hear it.
Parts: $29.95
