Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov - String Sextet in A Major (1876)

"Rimsky-Korsakov's String Sextet in A Major was written for a competition held by the Russian Musical Society in 1876. While he did not win the first prize, he did receive an honorable mention for a work which the chamber music critic Leonid Sabaneyev described as a 'youthful, entertaining piece that is full of gaiety.'

In five movements, the Sextet begins with an Allegro, the main theme to which is particularly fetching. The second subject is no less charming. Next comes a Rondo Fugato to be played as scherzando. Rimsky-Korsakov in his biography noted that he was particularly proud of the technique he used to create a complicated six part fugue. Surprisingly, a slow movement does not come next, but a second Scherzo, Vivace alla saltarello. Its pulsating rhythm gives it an energetic and lively aura. Perhaps, the high point of the Sextet comes in the Andante espressivo, the only slow movement. The main theme, presented by the first cello alone, is extraordinarily lovely. The Finale, Allegro molto, provides a suitable denouement.

The Sextet was not published until four years after Rimsky-Korsakov's death in 1912. That edition disappeared after the Russian Revolution. A second edition was subsequently published by the Soviet State Music Publishers. Our edition is a reprint of that long out of print edition. This Sextet is a welcome and attractive addition to the literature which we hope will win friends among both amateurs and professionals."

(Edition Silvertrust)


Date: 1876
Order:
No. 1 - Allegro vivace in A Major: 0:08
No. 2 - Rondo Fugato (Allegretto grazioso) in D Major: 6:15
No. 3 - Scherzo (Vivace alla saltarello) in A Major: 11:02
No. 4 - Andante espressivo in E Major: 16:32
No. 5 - Finale (Allegro molto) in A Major: 23:55

Performers: Vienna String Sextet

Note: This channel does not own the score or audio, and they are only used for non-commercial purposes. This video is a reupload from Thomas van Dun, who withdrew all score videos of pieces not composed by himself.

Original Uploader’s Channel:    / thomasvandun