String Quartets op 23 - 'The Prussian'

Title page of Wranitzky's String Quartets Op. 23 as published by André in 1793.

As one of Vienna's leading violinists, it comes as no surprise that the genre of string quartet figures prominently in Wranitzky's œuvre. As leader of the orchestras of both court theaters- the Burgtheater and the Kärntnertortheater, he had easy access to some of the finest players in Vienna. His intimate status with the Imperial court of Franz II and Marie Therese gave him opportunity for patronage. Wranitzky's music was extremely popular with both the nobility and the general public. Some fifty quartets were published during his lifetime and distributed throughout Europe, which confirms his immense popularity.

André of Offenbach published the six Op. 23 string quartets in June 1793 in two volumes, each containing three quartets. Later editions appeared by both Sieber and Imbault. While many of Wranitzky's chamber and symphonic works bear dedications to European nobles, these six quartets were written for the actual performance by an accomplished musician and royal. Friedrich Wilhelm II, King of Prussia (r. 1786-1797), was a reputable cellist and many notable composers eagerly sought his patronage. This situation proved to be beneficial to both him and the composers - and added some significant pieces to the chamber music literature. Among these are Beethoven's two Cello Sonatas, Op. 5, and Mozart's so-called "Prussian Quartets" (K. 575, 589, and 590).

The quartets were written in the popular 'Concertante' style, which gave each of the four instruments important and often virtuosic parts. Appropriately, the cello part in these quartets is given special emphasis, with their royal dedicatee in mind.

by James Ackerman & Robert Bonkowski

String Quartet op 23 no 1 - C major

I. Allegro con spirito

252 bars

II. Adagio

120 bars

III. Menuetto: Un poco Allegretto & Trio

36&30 bars

IV. Finale: Allegro scherzo

342 bars

String Quartet op 23 no 2 - E minor

I. Allegro

282 bars

II. Adagio - Allegretto - Adagio

85 bars

III. Finale: Tempo di Menuetto

171 bars

String Quartet op 23 no 3 - A major

I. Allegro con spirito

238 bars

II. Adagio

32 bars

III. Rondo: Non troppo Allegro

166 bars

String Quartet op 23 no 4 - Eb major

I. Allegro moderato

217 bars

II. Adagio - Menuetto Allegretto - Trio - Adagio

110 bars

III. Rondo: Allegro di molto

432 bars

Coming Soon

String Quartet op 23 no 5 - G major

I. Allegro

230 bars

II. Poco adagio

92 bars

III. Menuetto: Allegretto & Trio

64&48 bars

IV. Rondo

307 bars

Coming Soon

String Quartet op 23 no 6 - F major

I. Grave. Adagio

35 bars

II. Allegro di molto

360 bars

III. Allegro con variazioni

212 bars

Coming Soon