Presents
Anton Titz
String Quartet No.4 in c minor-New Edition
There is some confusion over the last name of Anton Titz (1742-1810). The family name was originally Dietsch and both of his father’s siblings, an uncle and aunt with whom he was raised, had the name Dietsch. In various parts of Germany D and T were often interchangeable when appearing at the beginning of a word. He appears to have gone by Tietz until he emmigrated to St. Petersburg in 1771. Most of his published works which appeared after this time bear the name Titz and he became known by both Tietz and Titz. Trained as a violinist in Nuremberg, he moved to Vienna where thanks to his friend Gluck, one of Vienna’s leading opera composers, Titz gained the patronage of the music lover Prince Lobkowitz. As a result of his appearances as a performer at Lobkowitz’s soirees, Titz was invited to St Petersburg where he remained for the rest of his life. There, he played an important role in Russia’s musical life as a leading violin soloist. He was said to be a virtuoso by those who heard him play during his prime. He also worked as a composer and concert manager and was responsible for introducing the latest works of Mozart and Haydn, both of whom he knew personally, to Russian high society. Additionally, his own compositions were frequently performed not only in Petersburg but throughout Europe where he achieved a considerable reputation. He is thought to have composed 12 string quartets. Six were published by Artaria of Vienna in 1781 and were dedicated to Prince Dmitri Golitsyn who served as Russia's ambassador to Vienna from 1761 to 1792. A patron of the arts, especially music. Golitsyn had supported Mozart, among other leading Viennese composers, by commissioning concerts from him to be held at Golitsyn's palace in Vienna. Titz may well have taken part. Although published in 1781, Scholars believe these six quartets were composed sometime between 1770 and 1775 based on the fact that most of them follow the early classical style of the Mannheim School, having only two or three movements.
However String Quartet No.4 in c minor is only one of two that has four movements and more closely follows the emerging mature Viennese style perfected by Haydn. In fact when the six quartets were reprinted in Paris, the publisher claimed that Titz had been a student of Haydn. The opening movement begins with a lengthy, somber Adagio introduction, which for the time was quite unusual. The main section is a lively Allegro. The second movement, marked Allegretto, is actually a typical Haydnesque minuet and charming trio. The third movement is simply marked Cantabile but is clearly a poco adagio. The finale is an exciting and stormy Allegro conspirito.
This quartet is not only historically important because it is one of the first quartets composed in Russia. But it is strong enough to stand on its own and receive concert performance in lieu of a Haydn. It can also be recommended to amateurs.
Parts: $24.95
Parts & Score: $33.95
