Presents
Scipion Rousselot
String Quartet No.1 in c minor, Op.6 No.1
Most sources state Scipion Rousselot (1804-1880) was most likely born in the town of Nimes in the south of France. He attended the Paris Conservatory where he studied cello with Charles Nicolas Baudiot and composition with Anton Reicha. During his lifetime, he pursued many activities--soloist, composer, teacher, music publisher and piano manufacture. A picture of one of the pianos made by Rousselot Freres can be seen above. He spent a great deal of time in London and was the cellist of the famous London Beethoven Quartet Society for a number of years. The other players consisted of Camillo Sivori, Prosper Sainton and Henry Hill. He edited one of the earliest complete editions of Beethoven's string quartets to appear in England. Although he composed two symphonies and an opera, most of his compositions were for chamber ensembles and include four string quintets, five string quintets, a piano trio, a sextet and a septet.
The String Quartet No.1 in c minor is the first of a set of three which were dedicated to the famous French violin soloist Pierre Baillot. They were published around 1825 in Paris. The opening Allegro features a dramatic, yearning theme, given out by the first violin and then the cello played over a pulsing accompaniment. A second more upbeat theme follows. The second movement, Andantino poco allegretto is a charming theme and set of variations. Next comes a Menuetto in the French style. The finale, Moderato, has the feel of Beethoven's early chamber music.aced first in the set of three which he published. Ts was common practice because it was generally
We have reprinted the quartet from the original 1825 edition. Though not like a new edition, it is clean and very readable. This is an appealing work, not at all hard to play and would be interesting in performance as an example of how music was changing in France at this time.
Parts: $24.95
