Presents
Ferdinand Ries
String Quintet No.2 in d minor, Op.68
Ferdinand Ries' String Quintet No.2 in d minor, Op.68 dates from 1811. It was dedicated to the well-known violinist Andreas Romberg and his equally well-known cousin, the cellist Bernard Romberg. The quintet opens with a substantial Andante introduction which alternates a mysterious, somewhat sad theme punctuated by loud crashing chords. Mendelssohn must have heard it as years later, he used much of in the opening to his Op.13 string quartet. The main part of the movement, Allegro agitato, explodes forth suddenly full of fury and forward motion, but not without more lyrical interludes. The second movement, Andante, begins as a simple melody. But slowly a rising second theme provides considerable verve. Next comes an energetic and thrusting Menuetto, moderato with a German Ländler-like, more lyrical trio section. The finale, Allegro, is full of forward motion and exciting episodes.
Today, Ferdinand Ries (1784-1838) is primarily remembered as a friend and student of Beethoven, as well as his first biographer. However, during his lifetime and for much of the 19 century Ries was remembered as a fine composer and virtuoso pianist. He showed musical promise from an early age, studying both violin and piano with his father, and the cello with Bernhard Romberg. In 1801, he went to Vienna to study with Beethoven. He studied piano and composition with him for nearly 5 years. Thereafter Ries concertized throughout Europe for a number of years before settling in London and then finally retiring in Frankfurt. He wrote a considerable amount of music including several piano concertos and a large quantity of chamber music which was for many years often performed and well thought of.
This string quintet is a very effective work which would do well in concert and can be warmly recommended to amateurs who will find much here to enjoy.
Parts: $29.95
