Woldemar Bargiel (1828-97) was Clara Schumann’s half brother. Throughout their lives, they enjoyed a warm relationship and thanks to Clara, Bargiel was introduced to both Robert Schumann and Felix Mendelssohn who encouraged him to study at the famous Leipzig Conservatory with two of the leading men of music: Ignaz Moscheles (piano) and Niels Gade (composition). Bargiel held positions at the conservatories in Cologne and Rotterdam before accepting a position at the prestigious Hochschule fur Musik in Berlin where he taught for the rest of his life. Among his many students were Paul Juon and Leopold Godowsky. While Bargiel did not write a lot of music, most of what he composed was well thought out and shows solid musical craftsmanship. His chamber music—he wrote four string quartets, a string octet and three piano trios—represents an important part of his output.
Bargiel’s String Quartet No.1 in d minor was not published during his lifetime. It was composed between 1848 and 1850. It is not clear why he never chose to publish it, but he did think highly enough of it not to destroy the manuscript which resides in the the German National Library in Berlin. Only 22 when he completed the quartet,. it is clearly the work of a young man under the influence, as were his teachers, of the famous founders of the Leipzig Conservatory teachers--Mendelssohn and Schumann. The charming opening movement, Allegro vivace, is upbeat, bright and full of forward energy. The Mendelssohnian influence is obviuos. In the beautiful second movement, Adagio, is a lyrical song without words.. A lively, energetic Scherzo follows. The finale, Presto, races about full of good spirts.
This quartet is full of good spirits. It is fun to play and can be warmly recommended to amateurs but is also strong enought to be presented in concert. Our edition was made by senior editor Santo Neuenwelt from the manuscript in the Deutsche Nationalbibliothek. (German State Library).
