Johann Anton André - String Quartets Opp. 15, 1 & 3 (Oxalis Quartet)

Information

Composer: Johann Anton André

• String Quartet in E flat major, Op. 15 No. 1
• Poissons dʼavril en différentes mesures synchrones
• String Quartet in D major, Op. 15 No. 3

Oxalis Quartet

    Stefan Besan, violin

    Friederike Kampick, violin

    Tim Düllberg, viola

    Lucija Rupert, cello

Date: 2026

Label: CPO

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Johann Anton André’s three-part string quartet collection, Opus 15, offers a delightful listening experience that combines classical orthodoxy with inventive harmonic and linear caprices. Notably preceding Ludwig van Beethoven’s last violin sonata by a full decade, the refrain of André’s concluding Allegro molto vivace strikingly anticipates the finale theme of Beethoven's Opus 96. Beyond its tightly structured developments and traditional minuets, the collection features inventive gems like two Poissons d’Avril (“April Fools’ Jokes”), which showcase remarkable contrapuntal skill by setting each voice in its own independent time signature within a full-fledged fugue.

Johann Anton André (1775–1842) was a German Classical composer, music publisher, and central figure in musicology who earned the title "father of Mozart research." In 1799, he acquired over 270 original autographs from Mozart's widow, Constanze, enabling his Offenbach publishing firm to issue authoritative first editions of masterworks such as The Magic Flute, The Marriage of Figaro, and Eine kleine Nachtmusik. André also revolutionized music publishing by collaborating with Alois Senefelder to introduce lithography to sheet music printing. In addition to his pioneering editorial and publishing achievements, André was a prolific composer who produced operas, symphonies, masses, and instrumental works.

Founded in 2017 at the Mainz University of Music, the multinational Oxalis Quartet, comprising musicians from Germany, Slovenia, and Moldova, is a celebrated string ensemble known for its passion for chamber repertoire. Mentored by members of the Artemis and Vogler Quartets, the award-winning group has performed at major international festivals and prestigious venues, including the Konzerthaus Berlin and Frankfurt’s Alte Oper. Honored with the inaugural 2026 "opera oblita" prize, the quartet specializes in reviving forgotten works, as demonstrated through world premiere recordings on the cpo label featuring composers like Johann Anton André. In 2026, they were appointed Quartet in Residence at the Mainz University of Music.