Presents
The String Quartets of George Onslow
by
R.H.R. Silvertrust
Editor of The Chamber Music Journal
If
a contest were held to determine which unknown or little-known chamber music
composer was the most deserving of great recognition, few would argue that there is any composer more
deserving than George Onslow (1784-1853). Certainly, there may be
others who are as deserving, but none more so. This is a view widely held by
those who have had the privilege and pleasure of either hearing or playing
his string quartets. Those who have familiarized themselves with his music have
come to understand that his name should stand high in the pantheon of honored
composers. During his lifetime, Onslow was held in the highest regard in
Germany, Austria and England, if not France. No less a discerning critic than
Robert Schumann ranked Onslow’s chamber music with that of Mozart, Beethoven,
and Mendelssohn.
Long forgotten, happily his music is being rediscovered, recorded, republished and performed again to the delight of listeners and players everywhere. Several CDs of his marvelous string quartets and quintets are now available and more than a dozen of his 36 string quartets have been reprinted in the last 10 years. (Edition Silvertrust has to date reprinted 7 of his string quartets and 4 of his string quintets---see our catalogue. From time to time we will be adding more)
A detailed study of Onslow's quartets has never appeared in any language. Now a book in English about these stellar works is available. Though primarily a discussion of the quartets, the book presents all of the relevant details of Onslow's life and answers the question of how such great music could have fallen into oblivion for so long a time.
Full of important musical examples and photographs, this book will be of interest to chamber music lovers everywhere and indispensable to performers. Make no mistake, this is not a dry as dust work by a musicologist who has merely looked at the printed page. The author writes from great experience having played each of the quartets many times.
Not a fancy hardback or commercial paperback, it is printed on 8˝ by 11 inch paper and loose-leaf bound.
Price: $10.00
