Presents
Charles Edward Stephens
String Quartet No.1 in G Major
Charles Edward Stephens (1821-1892) was born in London. He studied piano and violin at the Royal Academy of Music with Cipriani Potter who had studied with Josef Woelfl and Henry Blagrove a student of Louis Spohr. He pursued a career as a composer and organist. Several of his compositions, including this string quartet won prizes.
The String Quartet in G Major was submitted for the 1880 competition held by Trinity College London. It won first prize and was published in 1881 by the firm of Schott of Mainz, Germany, an indication of the quality with which it was regarded. The opening theme to the first movement, Allegro moderato, is a jovial, march-like subject whose recurring tripet motif gives the music considerable forward motion. The second movement is an engaging, lively Scherzo allegro with a slower and finely contrasting trio. Next comes an Andante sostenuto. It is a sad Sicilenne. The finale, Rondo allegretto, is upbeat and playful.
No one would pretend this is a great masterwork, it is however historically important because very little English chamber music from the early and mid Victorian era is known or has survived. And this by a composer who was entirely schooled in England and not like so many others, an attendee at a German conservatory. Further, the fact it is so nicely written with appealing melodies makes this a fine choice for amateur quartets looking for a performance work. Even better yet, it presents no technical difficulties. It's been out of print for a very long time and we are pleased to make it available once again.
Parts: $24.95
