Presents
Edward Baxter Perry
Prize Winning String Quartet in G Major
Edward
Baxter Perry (1855-19024) was born in Haverill, Massachussetts. Blind from an
early age, his first music lessons were from his mother who was a piano teacher.
He continued his studies in Germany for close to six years and was able to study
piano in Berlin with Theodor Kullak and composition with Karl Haupt, in
Frankfurt he studied piano with Clara Schumann and composition with Anton
Seifritz and in Weimar the piano with Franz Liszt. He enjoyed a career as a
touring soloist in Europe and America and was a sought after teacher holding
positions at the Oberlin Conservatory along with several conservatories in the
southern and western states. He wrote several influential books on piano
technique.
Most of his works were for piano or voice. His String Quartet in G Major dates from 1890 but was not published for nearly two decades, which no doubt led to its disappearance, despite the fact that it had won the prestigious prize of the British Music Society and was performed bythe . In four movements, it opens with a genial moderato filled with pleasant, uplifting melodies. The second movement is a sedate and singing Adagio. Next comes an interesting Minuetto, allegro. Its offbeat accents immediately capture the listener’s attention. There is a lovely, contrasting trio section which is rather like an Austrian ländler. Most likely, it was the finale, Allegro, which won Perry the prize. It is a lively, toe-tapping affair.
This work makes an especially appealing choice for amateurs and and advanced students looking for a work to bring into concert. It is well-written, sounds good and presents no technical difficulties.
Parts: $24.95
