Bernhard Molique's Flute Quintet in D Major was completed in 1848 shortly after Molique had moved to London. It was dedicated to the famous English piano manufacturer Broadwood, the maker of Beethoven’s favorite piano. Broadwood was a keen amateur flute player. Although the flute is often given the lead as was fairly common still at this time when a wind instrument was mixed into a string ensemble, all of the other voices are given interesting parts as well. An example of this can be heard right from the start where the cello is entrusted with presenting the captivating main theme of the first movement, Allegro. In the spirited and fleet Scherzo which follows, Molique inserts a Theme Anglais, an English folk tune, first presented by the First Viola. The third movement, Andante, is an elegant Romance, with a middle section in the minor. The dance-like finale, a Rondo, is light-hearted and genial.
Bernhard Molique (1802-1869) was born in the German city of Nuremberg. After studying with his father, Molique took lessons from Louis Spohr and Pietro Rovelli. After pursing a career as a touring virtuoso for several years, Molique accepted the position of Music Director to the Royal Court in Stuttgart. He also taught for several years in London at the Royal Academy of Music. As a composer, he was largely self taught. His music shows the influence of Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Spohr. Remembered now only for his violin concertos, he wrote a considerable amount of chamber music including eight string quartets.
This is one of the finest works for flute quintet from the mid Romantic era and should be of interest to both professionals and amateurs.
