String Quartets op 23 - 'The Prussian'
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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 |
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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 |
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I. Allegro ![]() |
282 bars |
II. Adagio - Allegretto - Adagio ![]() |
85 bars |
III. Finale: Tempo di Menuetto ![]() |
171 bars |
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Mvt. 1 recorded by the Hempfield High School string quartet,
Landisville
PA, USA
Jason Kim, Shuxin Zhan - violins,
Hanna Pederson - viola,
Nathan Lavender - cello
String Quartet op 23 no 3 - A major |
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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