Presents
Joseph Eybler
String Quartet No.4 in E flat Major, Op.10 No.1-New Edition
Joseph Eybler's String Quartet No.4 in C Major is the third of a set which he completed in 1790 but not published until a decade later. They show the influence of Haydn's middle period, the quartets that Haydn composed during that decade. Perhaps this was in large part due to the fact that Eybler worked quite closely with Haydn during those years and the latter championed Eybler’s works. Although one can hear the influence of both Haydn and Mozart, which is hardly surprising, Eybler's music is nonetheless full of originality. In four movements, it begins with a muted, substantal stately Adagio introduction which leads to a boisterous and lively Allegro. The second movement is a singing Andante. The Menuetto which follows is a true classical Viennese dance and could actually have been danced to. It is followed by a short, playful trio section. The finale, Allegro molto, is just the sort of conclusion Haydn might well have written.
Though unknown today, Joseph Eybler (1765-1846) certainly was well-known in his own time. His friend and teacher Mozart wrote the following letter of recommendation:
“I the undersigned hereby testify that I have found the bearer, Mr. Joseph Eybler, a worthy pupil of his famous master Albrechtsberger, a thorough composer, equally skilled in chamber and church styles, very experienced in compositional technique, as well as an excellent organ and piano player—-in short a young musician such as regrettably has few peers.”
And Eybler's other famous teacher Albrechtsberger wrote: "After Mozart, Eybler is the greatest musical genius to be found in Vienna." This quartet is an excellent choice where a substitute for a Haydn or Mozart work is sought. Amateurs will certainly get enjoyment from a fresh sounding late classical work. Our new edition is numbered and takes page turns for performance into account.
Parts: $24.95
Parts & Score: $31.95
