Presents
Guadalupe Olmedo
String Quartet in A Major, Op.14 "Quartetto studio classico"
Guadalupe
Olmedo (1853-1889), more properly Guadalupe Olmedo de la Lama, was born in the
Mexican city of Toluca into a wealthy, upper class family. She studied piano
locally and was soon recognized as a virtuoso pianist. She decided to further
her studies, primarily in the area of composition, at the Conservatorio Nacional
de Musica (National Conservatory of Music) in Mexico City, where her main
teacher was the opera composer and pianist Melesio Morales. In 1875, she became
the first woman to graduate as a composer from the Conservatory. To graduate,
she submitted 15 compositions for evaluation including her Quartetto studio
classico. She was awarded a silver medal for the excellence of her
compositions from the Directors of the National Philharmonic Society, citing her
as the first Mexican woman to write in the classical style. )A copy of her award
is pictured on the left.) She was also the first Mexican composer to write a
string quartet. In addition to this Quartet, she composed numerous pieces for
piano and also a considerable number or works for voice and piano.
Her Quartetto studio classico dates from the early 1870s and as noted before was submitted as part of her requirement to receive a diploma from the Mexican National Conservatory. It appears that the Quartet never received and remained moldering in the archives of the National Conservatory until the end of the 20th century. The first movement is a serene Adagio. The Scherzo which comes next is primarily dominated by its rhythm although the trio section, which is more lyrical presents a nice contrast. The biggest movement of the work is an Andante, nearly half the length of the quartet. Descending cales are juxtaposed against melodic themes in very high registers. The light-hearted and playful finale, Allegro vigoroso, begins with staggered entrances by each voice.
Despite the fact that she is now recognized as an important historical and musical figure of 19th century Mexican music, there is not much information to be found about her and not even a photograph appears to be available. Our edition is based on the score of the manuscript and the copy of it made by Michel Hernandez Lugo. This is a very beautiful work, and not just for historical reasons deserves concert performance. It presents no techical problems and can be warmly recommended to amateur ensembles.
Parts: $24.95
Parts & Score: $33.95
