Bernhard Molique's String Quartet No.7 in B flat Major, Op.42 dates from 1851 at which time he was living in London. It is dedicated to two of his friends, John Lintott and J.D. Pawle, two amateur enthusiasts. The work is light-hearted and shows the influence of one of his favorite composers, Mendelssohn. The opening Allegro vivace begins in a fashion that is obviously modeled on Mendelssohn’s Op.44 No.2 not only in its melodies, but also in its use of rhythm and division of thematic material. However, with the introduction of subsidiary themes, the similarity disappears. The second movement, Menuetto, is for all intents and purposes a scherzo, melancholy in mood but as it goes along it begins to resemble one of Mendelssohn’s elves' dances. A tranquil Andante with telling use of pizzicato resembles a serenade and serves as the third movement. The finale is a cheerful and lively Rondo.
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.
