Flute quartet
The term flute quartet denotes a chamber music ensemble form. The term is, however, applied to different, each consisting of four musicians and ensembles created this quartet compositions: first, the formation flute with string trio, on the other hand a cast with 4 flutes. In both cases, under flute almost always a flute to understand.
Instrumentation Flute with string trio
Works of occupation form flute, violin, viola and cello, which is related to the string quartet ( flute takes the place of the 1st violin) experienced its peak around the middle of the second half of the 18th century. In addition to the four quartets of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (D major, K. 285, G major, K. 285a, C major, K. 285b, D major, K. 298), the best-known genus contributions, wrote many other composers works for this instrumentation. These included, for example, Christian Cannabich, Domenico Cimarosa, Franz Danzi, François Devienne, Adalbert Gyrowetz, Joseph Haydn ( 6 Quartets, Op 5, authorship uncertain), Franz Krommer, Ignaz Pleyel, Anton Reicha, Ferdinand Ries or Carlo Giuseppe Toeschi (the latter one of the first composers who wrote for these instruments ). Born as variants ( rare ) also works for combinations such as 2 flutes, viola and cello (about Johann Christian Bach ) or flute, 2 violins and cello.
Unlike the string quartet to compositions for flute quartet turned mainly to amateurs. The interest of the lovers in the occupation flute with string trio, which at times reached the popularity of the string quartet, and contemporary publishing transcriptions of string quartets ( as of quartets of Haydn ) prove. Gioacchino Rossini also transcribed even four of his six Sonata a quattro (originally for strings ).
The results from the determination for amateurs rather light facture of original compositions has tried Anton Reicha in his quartets op to condense 98. In the preface of the first edition (Paris, before 1815 ), he wrote:
"I have these quartets composed in the style of Haydn, which means that each instrument is treated as an independent voice. The lovers of the flute must not expect the voice of her instrument leads therefore constantly. [ ... ] These are actual Quartets [ ... ] and not Sonatas or Solos for Flute with accompaniment of violin, viola and cello [ ... ] "
In the first decades of the 19th century, the string quartet form this occupation repressed almost completely, and it hardly created more new compositions. Also from the 20th century, there are only a few examples, such as works of Volkmar Andreae (Quartet Op 43), Gottfried von Einem (Quartet Op 85), Krzysztof Meyer ( Capriccio per sei strumenti 69), or Aaron Copland ( Threnodies I and II).
Instrumentation with 4 flutes
Works for Four Flutes created in particular around the turn of the 18th to 19th century. Among the best known of this period include compositions by Friedrich Kuhlau (Quartet in E major ) and Anton Reicha ( Quartets Op 12, Op 19), more quartets for example, come from Friedrich Hartmann Graf, Anton Bernhard Fuerstenau or Luigi Gianella.
In the 20th century quartets experienced a renaissance with 4 flutes, the tonal range was partially enhanced by use of piccolo, alto or bass flute. Especially the French blowing tradition took a liking to the specific, bright tone colors of this occupation. Examples include works by Eugène Bozza ( Jour d' été à la montagne ), Florent Schmitt (Quartet Op 106 ), Joseph Lauber ( Visions de Corse, Op 54 ), Marc Berthomieu ( Arcadie ), Joseph Jongen ( Elégie op 114, 3 ) and Alexander Tcherepnin (Quartet op 60). From more recent times, for example, genus Posts by Shigeru Kan -no and Daniel Theaker originate (each 3 quartets ) or Isang Yun.