Presents
Christian Sinding
Christian Sinding's String Quartet in a minor was composed in 1904 and dedicated to the Norwegian composer and conductor Johan Svendsen. It is a massive work in four movements. In it, one finds several quotes of themes from various Wagner operas such as Lohengrin, Tristan and Isolde and Parsifal. The first movement opens with an Andante which is lyrical and expressive. This is followed by an Allegro con fuoco where the music is marked by an interplay between the four instruments. The thematic material is developed with a sense of drama and emotional depth. The second movement, Andante, is slow and introspective. It features a gentle, flowing melody that is passed between the instruments while creating a delicate balance between them. The third movement, Allegretto scherzando, is characterized by its lively and playful nature. It features rapid, energetic passages and a light, nimble texture. The trio section is more lyrical and serene, providing a nice contrast.The finale, Allegro risoluto, is in several sections in which themes from the previous movements reappear but are given a different treatment.
Christian Sinding (1856-1941), along with Edvard Grieg came to symbolize Norwegian classical music between 1885 and 1940. Born is the small town of Kongsberg near Oslo, Sinding, after studying music in Oslo, attended the Leipzig Conservatory where he studied violin with Henry Schradieck and composition with Salomon Jadassohn and Carl Reinecke. Whereas Grieg's style of writing has been described as Schumann's technique combined with Norwegian folk melody, Sinding's is often and incorrectly characterized as combination of Wagner's technique with Norwegian folk melody. Although the influence of Norwegian folk melody can be found in his music, Sinding did not use it, as did Grieg, so extensively. Rather, it was German romanticism, and in particular the music of Liszt and Wagner, which greatly influenced Sinding. But unlike Liszt and Wagner, Sinding relied on wit and developed a more cosmopolitan style. Writing in virtually all genres, his chamber music must be considered an important part of his output.
This work has been unavailable for over a century, so we are pleased to make it available once again to professionals and amateurs alike.
Parts: $29.95
Parts & Score: $38.95
