Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2009-04-19 14:36
Last Thursday, four friends sat down and read three quartets for clarinet, violin, viola and cello. It was my sheet music, but I have never played these pieces. The violist suggested leaving the best composer for last:
Karl Stamitz, Quartet in Eb Op.8 No.4
Pleasant enough, but left an empty feeling. Several movements were getting interesting, when suddenly, we encountered tacked-on endings.
Bernhard Crusell, Quartet in Eb Op.2
Much better written and more enjoyable. A web search shows a number of recordings of Crusell Clarinet Quartets, including several complete sets.
Johann Nepomuk Hummel, Quartet (First edition, Musica Rara, 1958)
Now here is a winner. Longer than the others, and we were tired, but we kept playing. There was plenty to sink our teeth into and we were much rewarded. The second movement, "La Seccatura" (the nuisance?) makes sense once played through, but all the parts are all notated in different meters (2/4, 12/8, 3/4 & 6/8 !). Recorded by Charles Neidich among others.
Can anyone recommend other works for this ensemble?
Post Edited (2009-04-19 14:52)
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