String Quartets 1 & 4

Abstract

After studying piano and organ with his father and music with Anacker, Volkmann studied composition with Becker in Leipzig where he heard Mendelssohn and met Schumann. By 1841 he had settled in Budapest where he remained for the rest of his life with only one exception, a three year stay in Vienna. He became quite cognizant and understanding of the Hungarian national fervor in music and founded the Hungarian National Music Academy in 1875 with Liszt and Erkel. Composing in almost all forms of music his songs were inspired by folk traditions of Hungary and his instrumental works became very important. His "String Serenade, no. 3," and "B-flat minor Piano Trio" were particularly significant particularly the trio which was lauded by Liszt, Wagner and Bulow. The most interesting aspect of Volkmann's compositions was his implementation of rhythmic structures as he continuously shifted accents and meters.