Presents
Gustaf Bengtsson
String Quintet in a minor
For 2 Violins, 2 Violas & Cello
Gustaf Bengtsson (1886-1965) was born in the Swedish town of Vadstena. He came from a family of organists and as a youth received lessons on the organ, violin and piano. He studied at the Royal Conservatory in Stockholm and took degrees in organ, voice and music teaching. Privately, he studied with the then well-known composer Johan Lindegren, and subsequently in Berlin with Paul Juon and then Hugo Riemann in Leipzig. Like most Swedish composers from this era, it was not possible to make a living simply by composing and so he worked as an organist and music teacher. His String Quintet in a minor was composed in 1907. The inspiration for his quintet was the publication of his teacher Lindegren's string quintet earlier that year. (we publish Lindegren's quintet). Lindegren's quintet was composed nearly 40 years earlier but he was unable to get it published until the year before his death when he had become much better known. While one can at times hear Lindegren's influence on his student, the reality is that for the most part, Bengtsson's quintet sounds nothing like Lindegren's.
The energetic and powerful main theme to the opening movement, Allegro moderato con spirito, has a sense of yearning. The second subject is somewhat more lyrical. Next comes an Andante sostenuto, reflective and valedictory. The third movement, Allegro energico, begins in canonic fashion with the cello first introducing the short motif before the others sequentially join in. The movement is characterized more by its heavily accented rhythm than by its melody. The finale, Rondo, allegro moderato, is lighter, bright and upbeat and presents a strong contrast to what has come before.
Parts: $29.95
Parts & Score: $38.95
