Quartett: Verdi
A String Quartett in E minor, by Verdi (1813-1901), is the only work which the great Italian opera composer wrote in the chamber music style. It was first privately performed in the drawing-room of the composer’s residence, in 1873, and another performance took place at the London Monday Popular Concerts in 1878. Since that time it does not seem to have been often heard.
The work, which is by no means easy, contains some scholarly and remarkable writing, but for all that it can hardly be regarded as a satisfactory or successful composition. Especially does it lack that melodic interest which one expects from a composer usually so admirable in this respect as Verdi. Compared with his operas and other works, it lacks spontaneity and charm. At the same time it should be remembered that Verdi himself attached no importance to the quartett, and only very reluctantly allowed it to be performed out of his own house. He seems to have been as little successful with this work as probably Brahms would have been with an opera, had he ventured to write one.
Quartett: Onslow
G. Onslow (1784-1852), who wrote a large quantity of music, was a grandson of the first Lord Onslow. He was born in France, where, on his own estates, he chiefly resided. Chamber music was his passion, and of this he composed a great deal, and spent considerable time in its performance, the ’cello being his instrument. His String Quintetts are regarded as his best works, and they contain much charming music. “One of these, called@ “Le Quintette de la balle,” describes his emotions—the pain, the irregular beating of his pulse, and his gratitude on his recovery—consequent on an accident that happened to him at a wolf hunt, where a spent ball hit him in the face, rendering him somewhat deaf in one ear for the rest of his life.“[42] Among his numerous String Quartetts is one in G minor, op. 9, which has an interesting set of four variations on our national anthem, ”God save the King.”@@@
A String Quartett in D minor by Hugo Wolf deserves attention. He has been described as “the intensified and intellectually developed Schubert”! The Quartett referred to is in form and melodic material interesting, especially as an example of the unfettered tendencies in modern music.
A recently-published composition by John B. McEwen must not go unmentioned. This String Quartett in A minor has been performed in London and was approved. Like Dvořák, with whom indeed he has something in common, Mr. McEwen’s music reveals his nationality. The Andante, with a prominent viola part, distinctly appeals to those from “beyond the border.”
Quartett: W.H. Veit
Finally there is the String Quartett No. 1 in D minor by W.H. Veit (1806-64). Although of no great interest otherwise, this quartett contains a musicianly set of variations on the Russian national anthem. Wenzel Heinrich Veit was the district president of the law courts at Leitmeritz in Bohemia, where he lived all his life. Chiefly self-taught, he was an excellent musician, and has left behind him some well-written works.
Unusual Combinations