Presents
Gioachino Rossini
 |
 |
Soundbites |
Sonate a Quattro Nos.1-3-New Edition
Three Quartets for Flute, Clarinet, Horn and Bassoon
Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868) needs no introduction, he is one of the best known composers of opera of all time. Although only known for his operas, Rossini did write a considerable amount of other music, mostly vocal and sacred, however, he did compose a number of instrumental works and in his youth among which six for string quartet are probably the best known. Originally for 2 violins, cello and bass, they were composed in 1804 when he was 12 years old, however, they were not published until 1826 by which time he was one of the most famous living composers. The reason the double bass was featured was because he was living at the time in the home of an enthusiastic amateur bass player. He noted that he composed them in only 3 days which is surely a tribute to his amazing talent. When the works were finally published by the Italian publisher Ricordi, they were arranged for standard string quartet. They were immediately popular and two years later in 1828 they were arranged by the composer Friedrich Berr, a contemporary of Rossini. No doubt, Rossini knew and approved of this arrangement as well as the one for string quartet.
The three sonatas prsented here are the first three of a set of six. They make marvelous choices for concert and given they were meant for amateurs playing at home, they can be warmly recommended for that purpose
Parts: $39.95
