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Julius Schapler (1812-1886) was born in the West Prussian city
of Graudenz, now Grudziadz in Poland. He studied cello in Berlin
and had a career as a soloist. He wrote three chamber music
works, a string quartet which won a prize from a panel of distinguished
composers which included Spohr, Kalliwoda, Reissiger
and Lindpainter among others and which Schumann praised highly.
Piano Quintet in E flat Major appeared in 1876 and apparently
also one a prize. However, one cannot say it is an altogether
successful work. First, much of the thematic material appears in
only two voices often played in octaves and secondly the work is
rather orchestral in nature. The main subject of the opening Allegro
con brio energico is powerful but rather pedestrian. The fleet
second movement, Allegro assai, quasi presto, serves as a scherzo
and is more effective. There is a contrasting, sentimental trio section.
The third movement, Largo, is in the form of a funeral march
but again the thematic material is not particularly memorable. The
same is true of the finale, Allegro assai, poco con fuoco. I would
not go out of my way to schedule a play through.
(http://www.editionsilvertrust.com/pdfs/Guide-to-Piano-Quintets.pdf) |