Franz Alexander Pössinger (1767-1827)

Nationality: Austrian

Born: December 16, 1767, Vienna Died: August 19, 1827, Vienna (age 59)

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Flute Quartet in G major, Op. 17, No. 1

(for flute, violin, viola and cello)

		I.	Allegro
		II.	Andante grazioso
		III.	Menuetto - Trio
		IV.	Un poco Allegretto con variazioni

Published: c. 1806 (age 38-39)

Related Composers

Johann Georg Albrechtsberger (1736-1809)

Teacher

Nationality: Austrian

Born: February 3, 1736, Klosterneuburg Died: March 7, 1809, Vienna (age 73)

glossary

allegretto—moderately quick tempo. slower than allegro but faster than andante
allegro [I]—fast, lively tempo. From the Italian word for cheerful or gay.
andante [I]—moderately slow tempo (e.g. walking). Faster than adagio but slower than allegretto
chamber music, Kammermusik [G], musique de chambre [F], musica da camera [I], musica cameralis [L]—"Classical Music" for a small ensemble, generally 8 or fewer players with a canonical emphasis on 3-6 players. explore
con [I,S]—with
Flute quartet—Common name for popular chamber ensemble (work) comprising flute, violin, viola and cello (rather than 4 flutes!). This ensemble was especially popular in the "gallant" early classical period particularly for domestic music making by royal and common flutist alike.
grazioso [I], con grazia, gratioso, graziös [G], Mit Grazie—graceful, gracefully; easy
minuet, menuet [F], Menuett [G], menuetto [I], minuetto [I]—A graceful, courtly French dance of the Baroque and Classical period with a triple meter and a moderate tempo.It was introduced at the court of Louis XIV. In classical forms such as the symphony or chamber music, the minuet evolved into the more vigorous scherzo.
opus [L], opera[pl], Op., Opp, WoO, Op. posth—work, as in a work of art. For unique identification, publishers/composers often assign an "opus number", abbreviated as "Op." (e.g. Op. 1). A range of works by opus number, uses the plural "opp." (e.g. "Opp. 1-3"). A single opus number may refer to a collection of works (e.g. a set of quartets) giving rise to designations like "Op. 1, No. 4". For misc. works without opus numbers, "WoO" is often used (e.g."Without Opus"). Posthumously assigned numbers may use "Op. posth". Opus numbers may not precisely reflect chronology (publication vs. composition), can be erroneous, sparse or duplicative. Thus, the works of some historically important composers may use separate catalog numbers (e.g. Bach, Haydn, Schubert). See wiki
poco, un poco, poco a poco—a little bit, e.g. "andante un poco moto" is andante with a little more motion than typical. "poco a poco" means a little bit at a time, gradually.
quartet, quatuor [F], quartett [G], quartetto [I], cuarteto [S]—ensemble or work for four players the most important examples being the string quartet and the piano quartet
tema con variazioni, con variazioni, Tema e variazioni, theme and variations, Thema mit Variationen [G], Thème varié [F]—a common movement form featuring an initial theme followed by a series of variations on that theme, each of which adjusts any number of parameters to achieve variety, e.g. tempo, rhythm, key, instrumentation, etc.A challenge to the composers ingenuity and a delight for the listener
trio (2)—The middle section of three-part (ternary) forms such as the minuet and scherzo yielding the structure: Minuet - Trio - Minuet (repeat). The trio often brings contrast by change of key, tempo, mood or texture i.e. a shift in instrumental scoring.
variation, variazione, variatio, variato, variata—a modified re-iteration of a previous theme, reprise, couplet, etc. The music is varied, embellished or creatively transformed for variety while maintaining a unity relationship with the original. See "Theme and Variations."