Carl Friedrich Abel
(1723–1787)
Six Quartets Op. XII
for Violin/Flute, Violin, Viola, and Violoncello
Editor: Günter and Leonore von Zadow, publication date: 2019-03, source: print by J. J. Hummel Berlin and Amsterdam
Order information
G347 | Abel, Six Quartets Op. XII, for Violin/Flute, Violin, Viola, and Violoncello, AbelWV D7–12, full score, V/Fl+V+Va+Vc, introduction and full score, 76 p., ISMN 979-0-50174-347-6 | 29.50 € |
G348 | Abel, Six Quartets Op. XII, for Violin/Flute, Violin, Viola, and Violoncello, AbelWV D7–12, set of parts, V/Fl+V+Va+Vc, 4 parts, 100 p., ISMN 979-0-50174-348-3 | 29.50 € |
Description
Carl Friedrich Abel’s quartets op. 12 were first published in London in 1774. They are written for string quartet. The first part however – with the exception of the fifth quartet – is also intended for flute so that the op. 12 quartets can also be designated as flute quartets. All the movements are in major keys, as was usual at the time of the early classical period, since minor tended to be associated with the meanwhile outdated music of the Baroque. Many movements however contain also passages in minor. The quartets are distinguished by catchy, often songlike themes that linger long in the memory. The large number of prints and manuscript copies in which these quartets are transmitted clearly shows how popular and frequently played this music was during Abel’s time. With our edition, we hope to contribute to their rediscovery by today’s musicians and listeners.