Presents
Peter von Winter
Septet in E flat Major, Op.10 for String Quartet, 2 Horns & Clarinet
Peter von Winter (1754-1825) was born in the German city of Mannheim. He began his violin studies early and by age ten was judged a prodigy on that instrument. In Mannheim, he studied composition with Abbe Vogler, who also taught Franz Danzi, Carl Maria von Weber and Giocomo Meyerbeer. A prolific composer, as were most of that era, Winter became well-known for his operas and in 1780, he moved to Vienna where several were being staged. While there, he continued his studies with Salieri. Subsequently, he became one of the best known composers in Europe. He taught briefly at the Paris Conservatory and received many honors during his lifetime. He held the position of Music Director to the Bavarian court for the last 25 years of his life and was ennobled by the King of Bavaria for his service and upon his death the 14 page obituary which appeared in the prestigious Allgemeine Musikalische Zeitung called him the most important German composer of his time.
The Septet for 2 Violins, Viola, Cello, Clarinet and 2 Horns, Op.10. It was composed in 1803. Beethoven’s Op.20 Septet, which achieved tremendous popularity, may well have served as its model, although the instrumentation and construction of the work are different, perhaps because Winter did not wish to be compared to the great man. Only in four movements, it opens with an Allegro moderato which alternates between bustle and tuneful lyricism. A slow movement, Adagio, though not so marked appears to be a theme and set of variations on a melancholy subject. A typical Menuetto with a lāndler trio section comes next. The finale, Allegretto, rondo moderato, is a mild polonaise.
It is possible to obtain a modern edition, but it is also expensive. We have reprinted the first edition and as you might expect of music which is 215 years old, it is not like a modern edition. It is not difficult to read but there are minor blemishes here and there which is why we offer it at a very attractive price.
Parts: $29.95
