The String Quartet No. 6 in E is Ross Lee Finney’s first voyage into 12-tone waters. It was composed in 1950 and elicited an enthusiastic response not only from the audience at large, but from Paul Henry Lang, Music Critic of the New York Herald Tribune, who heard the work at the University of Michigan. The following remarks appeared in the Tribune’s Sunday music column of January 9, 1955:
“One of the most convincing examples of independent and non-conformist dodecaphonic music is a recent string quartet by Ross Lee Finney, resident composer at the University of Michigan. The other day I heard this work ably performed by the Stanley Quartet, in Ann Arbor. . . . This composer evidently believes — as so do some of our other distinguished composers who avail themselves of the tone-row technique — that it is not necessary altogether to sacrifice the past in order to advance into the future."
Adolph Weiss’ Trio for Clarinet, Viola, and Cello is formed in two movements, marked, respectively, Andante and Allegro Molto. Both movements are characterized by a high degree of contrapuntal complexity, with intervallic leaps accounting for much of the melodic movement. In the Andante, after a short introductory section for the strings in 5/4 meter, the clarinet enters with a broad, lyrical theme. Subsequently, several melodies of more close- packed rhythmic nature are woven into the fabric. Note values gradually become shorter; the music more agitated and climactic. Then, shortly after a restatement of the clarinet theme (with accompaniment entirely changed) the movement draws to a quiet conclusion.
The Allegro Molto is, in character, a Scherzo. It remains in 2/4 meter throughout, with cross- accents and fast imitative interplay imparting an almost breathless quality to the music. Occasional disguised references are made to thematic material of the opening movement, while several of the rhythmic motifs have a distinctly retrospective flavor. Here, as in the Andante, the linear approach predominates.
This title, originally issued on the CRI label, is now available as a burn-on-demand CD (CD-R) or download in MP3/320, FLAC or WAV formats. CD-Rs come in a protective sleeve; no print booklet or jewel case included. Liner notes are accessible via the link above.
Finney, Weiss: Chamber Works
| MP3/320 | $7.99 | |
| FLAC | $7.99 | |
| WAV | $7.99 | |
| CD-R | $7.99 |
A *.pdf of the notes may be accessed here free of charge.
Track Listing
|
String Quartet No. 6 in E: I. Introduction - Allegro
Ross Lee Finney
|
Buy
|
|
|
String Quartet No. 6 in E: II. Allegro Scherzando
Ross Lee Finney
|
Buy
|
|
|
String Quartet No. 6 in E: III. Intermezzo
Ross Lee Finney
|
Buy
|
|
|
String Quartet No. 6 in E: IV. Finale
Ross Lee Finney
|
Buy
|
|
|
Trio for Clarinet, Viola and Cello: I. Andante
Adolph Weiss
|
Buy
|
|
|
Trio for Clarinet, Viola and Cello: II. Allegro Molto
Adolph Weiss
|
Buy
|