Anton Reicha's "Quintetto pour clarinette en si, deux violons, viola et violoncelle": An analytical study.

Abstract

Anton Reicha (1770-1836) was well-respected during his lifetime as an illustrious teacher, and author of four successful textbooks on composition. His chamber works, particularly the twenty-four wind quintets brought him a measure of success as a composer. This study focuses on one of Reicha's lesser known chamber works, the Quintet in B-flat Major for Clarinet and String Quartet, op. 89. Part I of the study consists of biographical information, influences of performers, technical advances and performance practice, as related to Reicha's compositional technique for clarinet. The Quintet was written early in the 19th century as the clarinet was experiencing rapid technological advances. The six-key clarinet used by Jean Xavier Lefevre at the Paris Conservatory, and the thirteen-key clarinet designed by Ivan Muller are discussed with a comparative fingering chart included. Part II of the study contains an analysis of each of the four movements of the Quintet with regard to melody, harmony and form. A chart is provided for each movement in order to summarize the aspects of the analysis. A chart of Reicha's explanation of sonata form, La grande coupe binaire, is translated and discussed. Reicha's theories concerning composition are also included as they are found reflected in the work.