Presents
Friedrich Seitz
Piano Quartet in G Major, Op.35
Friedrich Seitz (1848-1918) was born in the German town of Günthersleben. He studied violin privately with Karl Uhlrich and Johann Lauterbach, both of whom were concertmasters of leading court orchestras in northern Germany. He subsequently was appointed as concertmaster in Magdeburg, then in Dessau and finally as the concertmaster of the Bayreuth Festival. He toured widely not only in Germany but also in England and Holland. In addition to these activities, he was also a highly sought after teacher. A little known fact is that the film star Marlene Dietrich was among his many students. Today he is remembered and known to violinists for his several student concertos.
Most of his works were for the violin. His Piano Quartet in G Major, Op.35 was published in 1909. It is in four movements. The opening Allegro ma non troppo is genial and filled with appealing melodies. The second movement is a Theme, Andante cantabile, and set of three variations. The theme is presented by the strings alone. The first variation is rather like the theme in tempo and mood with the piano quietly joining in. The second variation, Allegro moderato, by features the violin in quick passage work. The third and final variation gives the cello a chance to shine. Later all four voices conclude the movement. The Menuetto moderato which follows is heavily accented and contains a nicely contrasting trio section. The finale, Allegro con spirito, is bright, upbeat and singing.
Seitz originally composed the quartet for two violins, cello and piano. But because this was a relatively rare ensemble, his publisher suggested he add a viola part as a replacement for the second violin so that it could be played by a standard piano quartet. The quartet, while by no means a student work, nonetheless presents no technical difficulties and makes an excellent concert choice for advanced students and experienced amateurs.
| (A) Piano Quartet (Violin, Viola, Cello & Piano | $29.95 |
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| (B) 2 Violins, Cello & Piano | $29.95 |
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| (C) All Four Parts | $34.95 |
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