There are also three Trios, op. 85, for the same instruments, in D, C minor, and F, by Hermann Berens (1825-80), a Hamburg musician.
Quartett: Mackenzie
Prominent among modern quartetts stands that in E♭, for piano, violin, viola, and ’cello, by Sir A.C. Mackenzie (1847). This is an early work of this composer, and one which has hardly been accorded the recognition that it deserves. The third movement consists of a canzonetta with an interesting and fanciful set of variations. The quartett ends with a well-wrought and vigorous allegro. Sir Alexander Mackenzie has not published much chamber music, having, it would seem, preferred to occupy himself with works of larger dimensions.
E Flat Quartett: Rheinberger
The Quartett in E♭, op. 38, for piano, violin, viola, and ’cello, by Joseph Rheinberger (1839-1901), has been a good deal played in England during recent years, and is an admirable example of this refined and musicianly composer.
Another of his chamber compositions, which is not perhaps so well known, is the String Quartett in C minor, op. 89. It is written in the usual form with four movements; the tunes are sincere, and the treatment is interesting, without anything which savours of pedantry. It is also a grateful work, from the performers’ point of view.
Quartett: W. Rabl
The Quartett in E♭, op. 1, for clarinet, violin, ’cello, and piano, by Walter Rabl, calls for mention. Rabl is a native of Prague, where he received his training, and his works have been brought to light chiefly through the instrumentality of the Friends of Music Society in Vienna, of whose committee Brahms was an active member. This quartett, which is dedicated to Brahms, is written in classical form and has many interesting features; it was played at the London Monday Popular Concerts in 1899, during a visit to England of Herr Mühlfeld, the celebrated German clarinettist. Rabl has also written a set of Fantasiestücke, op. 2, for piano, violin, and ’cello, and a fine Sonata in D major, op. 6, for piano and violin.
Quartett: Prout
Dr. Ebenezer Prout (1835), the eminent theorist and musical professor in the University of Dublin, has written, in addition to many works in various styles, and the Quartett, op. 18, in F, for piano, violin, viola, and ’cello, the following chamber music:—two String Quartetts, op. 1 and op. 15; a Piano Quintett, op. 3; a Piano Quartett, op. 2; a Romance for viola, with piano accompaniment, op. 32; a Sonata for piano and clarinet, op. 26; and a Duo Concertante for piano and harmonium, op. 6: all of which may be strongly recommended to amateurs who love a straightforward, intelligible style. The composer’s intimate acquaintance with the music of the great classic period, united to a sensitive and eclectic taste, has enabled him to give to the world in these works music which worthily upholds a true and pure standard. The String Quartett, op. 15, with its charming andante movement, as well as the op. 18, may be specially mentioned.