Kraus, Joseph Martin (1756-1792)

Joseph Martin Kraus was one of the most gifted and unusual composers of the 18th century, whose talent for thematic development, colourful orchestration and theatrical flair caused Haydn to proclaim him one of only two 'geniuses' he knew (Mozart being the other one). Although Kraus's focus as a composer was mainly upon works written for the stage, he had occasion and opportunity to write a variety of works for chamber setting, as well as for pedagogical use at the Royal Swedish Academy of Music, for which he was educational director from 1788 until his death. This brief Allegro for violin and fortepiano was probably written around this time as a work intended for students at the aforementioned institution. This is evident in the use of deliberate devices, such as unison scalar passages and sustained notes in the violin part. Foreshadowing Hindemith's notion of Bildungsmusik from a century and a half later, it is clear that the intent is to create a substantive piece of music for future instrumentalists that not only allows for good compositional style, but both pedagogical function and a relatively easy degree of difficulty for the performers, as well. Allan Badley