Jean-Frédéric Edelmann (1749 – 1794) (born Johann Friedrich Edelmann) was a French classical composer. He was born in Strasbourg to a Protestant family of Alsatian descent. After studying law and music locally, he moved to Paris in 1774, where he played and taught the piano. Between 1780-1782, he worked in London, at which time his four quartets for 2 violins, viola, and piano, Op.9, were published by the firm of James Blundell. A copy of the title page can be seen on the left. By the time he arrived in London, judging from the title page, he was apparently well-known.
After his time in London, he returned to Paris and continued teaching, composing, and performing. In 1789, during the French Revolution, he was appointed administrator of the Bas-Rhin. In late May 1794, he was arrested after a false accusation of treason by the French Revolutionary Tribunal and sentenced to death by Robespierre. Aside from five lyrical works, including two operas and an oratorio (now lost), as well as pieces for harpsichord (including two concertos), he composed primarily instrumental music, including several pieces (op. 9, 14, and 15) for keyboard, two violins, and viola. The Op.9 quartets were among his best-known works.
The Quartet in c minor is the second of the set of four which date from 1782. It is in three movements following a fast, slow, fast pattern. The movements are entitled D'un mouvement vif et precipite, l'Irresolou lentement, and Avec energie. The titles give a good idea of the tempi and moods of the music.
We have reprinted the 1782 Blundel edition. It is clean and easy to read, but not like a modern edition. The piano part is only the piano part and not a piano score. This is a historically valuable work but also one which can stand on its own merits.