One aspect in the life and work of the great Genoese virtuoso NicolÃ² Paganini that may be lesser known but in no way should be underestimated is the pronounced interest with which he dedicated himself to chamber music both as an interpreter and as a composer. He was drawn in particular to the genre of the string quartet - and here we are presenting his energetic String Quartet No. 3, a work revealing his brilliant mastery in the field of chamber music. In his Tre Duetti for violin and bassoon Paganini also proves to be a very sophisticated composer of chamber music who succeeds in lending each of the three duets an individual, independent character. Among other things, these works have in common the beautiful cantability of their themes and a writing style radiating obvious joy in the shared musical experience, in "jouer," as the French so fittingly term it. The influence of song is in constant evidence when we speak of the Italian instrumental music of the nineteenth century in general and in particular of Paganini's chamber music or that of composers such as Rossini and Donizetti who distinguished themselves mainly in the field of the opera. In the three duets this vocal influence is naturally combined with the clear requirements of instrumental part writing.

Tracklist:

Quartet No. 3 in a minor for 2 violins, viola and cello M.S. 20~Largo. Allegro
Quartet No. 3 in a minor for 2 violins, viola and cello M.S. 20~Minuetto. Andantino. Trio
Quartet No. 3 in a minor for 2 violins, viola and cello M.S. 20~Andante con Variazioni (Var. I - Var. II Risoluto - Var. III - V
Quartet No. 3 in a minor for 2 violins, viola and cello M.S. 20~Finale. Presto
Tre duetti concertanti for violin ; bassoon, M.S. 130~Duetto concertante No. 1 in F major. Largo (Allegro moderato)
Tre duetti concertanti for violin ; bassoon, M.S. 130~Duetto concertante No. 1 in F major. RondÃ² (Allegretto vivo)
Tre duetti concertanti for violin ; bassoon, M.S. 130~Duetto concertante No. 2 in c minor. Largo - Allegro moderato
Tre duetti concertanti for violin ; bassoon, M.S. 130~Duetto concertante No. 2 in c minor. RondÃ² (Allegro moderato)
Tre duetti concertanti for violin ; bassoon, M.S. 130~Duetto concertante No. 3 in D major. Allegro con brio poco scherzando
Tre duetti concertanti for violin ; bassoon, M.S. 130~Duetto concertante No. 3 in D major. Petite romance (Larghetto)
Tre duetti concertanti for violin ; bassoon, M.S. 130~Duetto concertante No. 3 in D major. Polacchina (Andantino con grazia)

UPC: 761203531028
Label: Cpo Records
Release Date: 9.3.21
Format: CD

Paganini - String Quartet 3 (CD)