Christian Ernst Graf (1723-1804)

Nationality: German

Born: June 30, 1723, Rudolstadt Died: July 17, 1804, The Hague (age 81)

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18th Century

Early Classical

Sonata in E-flat major, Op. 10, No. 4

(for 2 violins and cello)

		I.	Andante
		II.	Allegro assai
		III.	Andantino

Published: 1772 (age 48-49)

18th Century

Early Classical

glossary

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
andantino—faster than andante, slower than allegretto. Sometimes andantino is interpreted as the opposite: slower than andante
assai—very much. Intensifies the direction of its neighboring words, e.g. "allegro assai", very fast
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
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
sonata [I], sonate [pl], suonato—Originally, "sounded" rather than "sung" (sonar vs. cantar), i.e. instrumental music. According to historical period, sonata began to imply a formal plan of movements as well as the structure within a single movement, e.g. "sonata form" and applies to instrumental sonatas, string quartets, symphonies, etc., all examples of the sonata principle. In general usage as a specific work title (e.g. violin sonata), it designates a multi-movement piece for solo or duo instruments with one of the instruments enjoying a feature role. wiki
string trio, Streichtrio [G], Trio d'archi [I], Trio à cordes [F], Trío de cuerdas [S] —a work for three stringed instruments, most commonly violin, viola, and cello. A more rarefied form than the string quartet, perhaps because the texture is sparse (each instrument highly exposed) and the means are more difficult for natural harmonic richness. But these become challenges and assets in the great trios. Trios almost always emphasize countrapuntal writing with each of the three players in strong relief. Explore the string trio | wiki
trio (1)—an ensemble or work for 3 players