Quartet for 4 Violins in G Major
Carl Bohm (1844-1920) was
certainly very well-known during his life time. Yet today, his name brings
nothing but blank stares. He was one of the leading German song writers of
the 19th century and is regularly ranked among a select few after Schubert.
Literally dozens of his songs achieved world-wide fame. Among them are such
works as: Still as the Night, Twilight, May Bells, Enfant Cheri and The
Fountain, just to name a few. Nowadays it is virtually impossible to find
any information about him in the standard reference sources although the
Oxford Companion to Music tells us, "A German composer of great fecundity
and the highest salability...He occupied an important position in the
musical commonwealth inasmuch as his publisher, Simrock, declared that the
profits on his compositions provided the capital for the publication of
those of Brahms."
Bohm, like Schubert, was far more than just a song writer, composing in most
genres. His chamber music, mostly quartets and piano trios, were extremely
popular not only amongst amateurs but also among touring professional groups
who were always in need of a sure-fire audience pleaser. Bohm's specialty
was music in a lighter vein and no one would ever confuse it with the dark,
brooding and introspective works of Brahms. There is always something to be
said for a work which listeners can immediately appreciate.
His Quartet for 4 Violins in G Major dates
from 1901 and on the title page, pictured above, it notes that it was
designed to help with ensemble playing. In one substantial movement, this work
makes an excellent recital piece for students and can be recommended to
violin teachers looking for such an appealing work
Parts: $14.95
Parts & Score: $19.95
