Presents
Johann Friedrich Reichardt
String Trio in B flat Major, Op.1 No.3
Johann Friedrich Reichardt's String Trio in B flat Major, Op.1 No.3 was the third of set six string trios published in 1778 by Andre in the German city of Offenbach and then in London by Schlims. Most of Reichardt’s string trios were for 2 violins and cello, then the dominant combination and the Op.1 set was published with the title 6 Sonatas a due Violini e Violoncello. Nonetheless, No.3 was not for this combination but for violin, viola and cello which by 1800 became the standard combination for string trio. It is not clear why Reichardt wrote this trio with a viola, and while it is similar in character to the other trios in the set, the viola is given a more virtuoso part than the second violin is in the other trios. The opening movement, Allegro ma non troppo, is a lively affair. But this trio stands out by virtue of its second movement, Andantino, a theme with four variations, first the cello, then the violin and lastly the viola are given a chance to shine. The final variation is shared by all three voices. The finale, a Vivace in 6/8 time, provides a satisfactor conclusion to the trio.
Johann Friedrich Reichardt (1752-1814) was born in the East Prussian city of Königsberg where he studied violin, piano, voice and lute first with his father, the city music director and then with other local teachers. Reichard served as Kapellmeister (Music Director) to the court of Frederick the Great from 1777 to 1779. He pursued a career as touring virtuoso and composer. He concentrated primarily in composing works for voice, however, during the early part of his career he wrote a considerable amount of chamber music.
Our new edition is based on the 1778 London F. Schlims edition.
Parts: $17.95
Parts & Score: $22.95
