Presents
Ebenezer Prout
String Quartet No.1 in E flat Major, Op.1
Ebenezer Prout (1835-1909) was born in the English town of Oundle. He studied piano under Charles Salaman, but was otherwise self-taught. He attended the University of London intended for a career as a scholar, but chose to follow one in music through his love of it. He worked as an organist, music critic, and composer, eventually becoming a Professor of Composition at the Royal Academy of Music in London as well as a number of other schools. Several of his chamber music works were awarded first prizes in various competitions. His works on music theory became classics and were translated into many languages, some of which are still used today. Among Prout's students were Eugen d'Albert and Edward German. While alive, his chamber music was quite popular and often performed, but after his death, he was criticized for lack of originality in that his works showed the heavy influence of Mendelssohn and Schumann, composers who were, at the time, very popular in England. While it is true that one can sometimes hear the influence of Mendelssohn or Schumann, his music is not imitative, and in any event this would not have harmed his reputation had he been a German. Most importantly, it cannot take away from the fact that much of his music is very attractive, fun to play and good to hear.
His String Quartet No.1 in E flat Major dates from 1862 and was awarded First Prize in a competition held by the Society of British Musicians. In four movements, it begins with a genial, Allegro Grazioso. This is followed by a deeply felt Adagio sostenuto. In third place is a highly effective and very original sounding Scherzo with its pizzicato use in the charming trio section. The big finale, Presto con molto fuoco, is full of forward motion and energy, featuring a Bach-fugue.
Here is a quartet which is very suitable for amateurs or students looking for a program work which is not at all hard to play and sounds quite good. Long out of print, we are pleased to make it available once more.
Parts: $24.95
