Reicha, A :: Sinfonico Op. 12

Alry Publications presents Anton Reicha's 'Sinfonico, op. 12' for flute quartet.

Though few records come to us today concerning the 'Sinfonico' (undated), it was probably overshadowed in the wind-instrument circles of Reicha's lifetime by the 25 immensely popular wind quintets. Like the wind quintets, the idiomatic yet still challenging flute writing is informed by Reicha's own early flute tutelage and later experience as violinist and second flutist in the court orchestra of the Archduke of Austria. Unlike the musicological and technical experiments of the wind quintets, however, the 'Sinfonico' betrays a more conservative structure and straightforward music development; it is primarily concerned with the distinctive blending of flute sounds to intensify harmonic stress and movement.

Reicha's astute attention to detail and form lies at the core of the quartet, lending it its distinctive nickname. The four movements are indeed constructed in a symphonic sonata form - Allegro; Andante; Minuetto (Allegro Vivace); and the Finale - with tightly-woven melodic and harmonic ideas transformed strictly throughout. In sound, however, the piece is closer to delicate (though muscular) court music. A consistently light, early Romantic bent is especially present in the melodic motion of the first flute, and in the clear timbral balance achieved through deft pairing and parting of various supporting lines.

This new edition of the 'Sinfonico' by Alry Publications was created from the earliest available edition - that of the c.1815 Monzani & Hill 'Quartetto', in four separate parts - and with comparisons to contemporary publications, most of which contain only handwritten facsimile or pre-1900s engraving. Numerous errors ad inconclusively placed notes have been clarified and dynamic and expressive markings consistently matched across parts and score. It is hoped that this freshly-engraved, clean edition allows for a new generation of flutists to more easily, and more satisfyingly, integrate this work into their repertoire.

Includes score and parts.