Emanuel Aloys Förster, Six String Quartets, Op. 7

http://www.areditions.com/forster-six-string-quartets-op-7-c099.html Emanuel Aloys Förster (1748¿1823) was among the most significant composers of Viennese chamber music at the turn of the nineteenth century. The three sets of six string quartets that he published are exemplary works in the genre at that time, fine examples of the intellectually and emotionally engaging nature of classical string quartets. Yet these works are not part of the standard chamber music repertoire, nor are...
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http://www.areditions.com/forster-six-string-quartets-op-7-c099.html Emanuel Aloys Förster (1748¿1823) was among the most significant composers of Viennese chamber music at the turn of the nineteenth century. The three sets of six string quartets that he published are exemplary works in the genre at that time, fine examples of the intellectually and emotionally engaging nature of classical string quartets. Yet these works are not part of the standard chamber music repertoire, nor are they much discussed by musicologists, except in terms of the supposed ¿influence¿ between Förster and Beethoven. This discussion typically relates to Förster¿s first set of string quartets, op. 7 (1794), but without detailed consideration of the music or discussion of the other quartets that he composed. Thus our assessment of this important composer in general, and his contributions to Viennese string quartet culture around 1800 in particular, is hampered by a narrowness of vision. This new edition of Förster¿s op. 7 not only helps with comparison to Beethoven, but shows his own command of the four string instruments¿ expressive resources. A notable feature of the opus is the use of the solo cello in its high register. These works were dedicated to Friedrich Wilhelm II (1744¿97), king of Prussia from 1786, who was himself a cellist. Performance parts are available as separate purchases.