Eduard Nápravník
String Quartet No.3 in C Major, Op.65
Eduard Nápravník (1839-1916) was born in Bohemian town of Beischt (now Býšť), in what was then the Habsburg Empire. He learned to play the organ at his local church and then entered the Prague Organ School after which he obtained an appointment to serve as conductor of the famous private orchestra of Prince Yusupov in St. Petersburg. Thereafter he served as conductor of the Mariinsky Theatre and later several Imperial Theaters. He became an influential figure in Russian musical life and was even mentioned in Dostoyevsky’s novel The Brothers Karamazov as a famous conductor. He premiered several of Tchaikovsky’s works and assisted the composer in tightening up certain scores. He wrote in most genres but today is remembered for his most successful opera, Dubrovsky. He did not neglect chamber music writing three string quartets, a string quintet, two piano trios, a piano quartet and several instrumental works.
Ten years passed between the time Napravnik composed his second string quartet and String Quartet No.3 in C Major. It was completed in 1900 and dedicated to the Bohemian String Quartet one of the most famous string quartet ensembles then performing before the public. They took it on tour with them and performed it to acclaim. Like so many other works from this period, it disappeared after the First World War. The buoyant, powerful opening movement, Allegro moderato, is richly scored and has a rather orchestral quality. It is restless and full of energy. The second movement, Allegretto giocoso, seems misnomered. It has the feel of an exotic, Oriental intermezzo. In third place is darked hued Adagio, tinged ever so slightly with a touch of sadness. The finale, Allegro con fuoco, also approaching the orchestral in the volume of sound, is a robust, triumphant march.
Long out of print, this intersting work would be welcome in concert and can be recommended to amateurs as well.
Parts: $29.95
Parts & Score: $39.95
