TitelseiteChristoph Schaffrath (1709-1763)
Trio in F major for viola, violoncello, and b.c.

Preface Reviews [in German version] Sample page CDs [in German version] 2nd sample page Errata / Addenda Deutsche Version

Editor: Michael O'Loghlin, publication date: 2010-07, continuo realisation: Angela Koppenwallner, source: RISM D-B SA 3822 (archive of the Sing-Akademie zu Berlin)

Order information

G190Ch. Schaffrath, Trio in F major, First Edition, Va+Vc+Bc, score, 3 parts, 32 p., ISMN 979-0-50174-190-816.50 €

Description

This charming trio is a recently discovered work by Schaffrath, who worked as a keyboard player for Frederick the Great and later for the king’s music-loving sister, Princess Anna Amalia. Scored for an unusual combination without a violin or indeed any treble instrument, the work avoids the extreme upper range of both solo instruments. The composer’s skilful blend of contrapuntal and parallel passages gives the work a clear texture and makes it a successful example of the melodic, galant style of the late baroque. Typical of the chamber music written in the eighteenth century for cultivated amateur musicians, it could well serve the same function today. Like most chamber music of the period, it can be performed without the keyboard continuo, as long as a second cello or other bass instrument is available to play the bass line. The cello part could also be played on the viola da gamba or the bassoon; such substitutions were normal practice in the eighteenth century.

Errata / Addenda