April--June 2022

Ewald Straesser (1867-1933 is another one of those later Romantic era composers who wrote very fine chamber music which in the aftermath of World War I and changing tastes disappeared along the works of so many other worthy composers. Ewald Straesser (also Sträßer) was born in the Rhenish town of Burscheid not far from Cologne. After studying music locally, he entered the Cologne Conservatory where he studied with Franz Wüllner. After graduating, Straesser held a teaching position there and then later became a professor at the Stuttgart Conservatory. Between 1910-1920, Straesser's symphonies enjoyed great popularity and were performed by the leading conductors of the day such as Artur Nikisch,  Richard Strauss, Willem Mengelberg, Felix Weingartner, and Wilhelm Furtwängler. His chamber music was also frequently performed by the then active leading ensembles. His five string quartets are worthy of your attention.

Ewald Straesser's String Quartet No.1 in e minor, Op.12 No.1, appeared in 1901. It begins with a Moderato that has a very rhythmic main theme full of potential which is followed by a more lyrical second subject. A very impressive and atmospheric slow movement, Larghetto, comes next. It features a riveting viola solo played over a martial accompaniment in the violins. The third movement, Allegro molto, is a charming and lively scherzo with a very original middle section. The finale, begins as an Andante with a simple folk theme and is followed by a artistic and masterly set of variations.

Ewald's String Quartet No.2 in G Major, Op.12 No.2 appeared at the same time as the first quartet in 1901. The opening movement, Allegro con moto, has three themes, the third, which is especially effective, appears shortly before the end. The second movement, Prestissimo, could serve as an effective encore. After a short, wild introduction, a Praeludium, comes a fleet tarantella set off by a charming waltz-like trio. Next is a somber and powerful Andante in which a short agitated section appears in the middle. The finale, Allegro animato, quasi vivace, begins with a spirited solo in the viola and is full of Rheinland humor. This is a very appealing work to play.

String Quartet No.3 in B flat Major, Op.15 dates from 1913. It is a fine, reflective work, whose excellence may not be apparent at first hearing. This is particularly true of the first movement, Allegro. The warm Adagio ma non troppo, which is in the form of a romance, is more immediately approachable. Next comes a pretty Scherzo, Presto con fuoco, which is dominated by its syncopated main theme and framed by a superb trio section. It is the finale, Presto non troppo, which makes the strongest impression upon first hearing. It begins with a serious, slow introduction that leads to the main part of the movement which is very close to being a tarantella.

String Quartet No.4 in e minor, Op.42 dates from 1920. It is remarkably concise. It departs from convention insofar as to have an Andante serioso for its final movement--very beautiful this, with a melodious fugue in the middle section. The restless first movement, Allegro non troppo, takes its character from the passionate main theme. The second movement, Allegretto tranquillo, is a dainty and most effective intermezzo. It makes a perfect encore piece. The third movement, Allegro con fuoco, is a type of very lively scherzo, with an expressive and slow middle part.

String Quartet No.5 in g minor, Op.52, is truly an inspired work, suggesting, indeed, a musical New World. The first movement, Moderato passionato requires careful listening because of the plasticity of the thematic material. However, not only is the material impressive, it is masterfully executed. The second movement is a fleet, tonally beautiful Intermezzo scherzando in which the minor and the major alternate. The Poco andante which follows takes the listener into a realm of otherworldly beauty with its deeply felt melodies. The finale, Molto passionato, is a kind of highly creative fantasy.

We highly recommend these works to professionals and amateurs. You can hear soundbites to these works by clicking on the links above. And all are available from Edition Silvertrust.