Octet op.7 (Partitur) August Walter

for oboe, clarinet, horn en eb, bassoon and string quartet
score

August Walter (1821-1896) Oktett für Oboe, Klarinette, Fagott, Horn, Violine, Bratsche, Violoncello und Kontrabaß in B-Dur, op.7 (1863)

August Walter's Octet in B flat Major, Opus 7 for oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, violin, viola, cello and double bass, exists in three versions, the last of which was published by Kistner in 1880. Originally completed in 1849, Walter revisited it in 1863. The score to this revised edition can be found in the library of the University of Basel. While there certainly was no standard instrumentation for an octet of strings and winds, most are for a battery of five strings 2 violins, viola, cello and bass and three wind instruments, most often flute or clarinet, horn and bassoon. Walter's choice of four strings and four winds, if not unique, is certainly rare and not to be found in any of the better known octets, few that there are. While most German composers by mid 19th century were in the thrall of Mendelssohn and Schumann, Walter's Octet looks back to the Vienna Classics and the early Romantics. In the engaging Allegro moderato, which opens the work, we hear echoes of Beethoven's Op.20 Septet. It is full of forward motion and joie d'vivre. Next comes a Scherzo which shows the influence of Spohr, but is better written without the excessive chromaticism and incessant use of trills. There are two contrasting trios. A gorgeous slow movement, Andante, full of emotion, follows. There are fine opportunities for all of the instruments. The effective finale, Vivace, also shows the energy and style of Spohr, but again without the chromaticism and use of trills.

Inhalt / Content:

I. Allegro moderato
II. Scherzo Allegro
III. Andante
IV. Finale Vivace