Emilie Mayer

Quintet 2

The undated String Quintet No. 2 in D Major is said to have been performed in Emilie Mayers home in 1854. As one of Mayers concerns was always to present her new works, this information also provides an approximate indication of when the piece was composed. It was preceded by a quintet (in C major) that remained a fragment, which explains the numbering (No. 2). Mayers treatment of the middle movements is of particular interest. Here she proceeds in a manner similar to other of her multi-movement works: if a slow movement is particularly weighty, she precedes it with a scherzo, as is the case here. This is followed by an extensive variation movement: Andante cantabile. The work is characterised by the joy of playing, with the individual parts interwoven in the same mode. It is very suitable for proficient performers, including amateurs, and is of medium difficulty.
Sources:
Streichquintett Nr. 2 in D-Dur, Autograph SBB Mus.ms.autogr. Mayer, E. 12 M, undated score and parts: fair copy with additions in pencil and corrections.