William Alwyn: Novelette for string quartet (1938-9)

Many listeners will evaluate British composer William Alwyn (1905-85) in terms of his film music scores or his cycle of five impressive symphonies. So, it is good to come across a very short chamber work that is not an essential part of the composer’s catalogue yet is a delightful treat.

During the late 1930s Alwyn wrote his ‘Novelette’ for Oxford University Press. This was part of the short lived ‘The Oxford String Quartet Series.’ Other works published in this series included a Gavotte and Hornpipe by Felix Swinstead (1880-1959), A Cameo for string quartet by William Heller Nicholls (1874-1939) and a Minuet and Trio by Mancunian composer, Thomas Pitfield (1903-1999)

In 2008, Naxos issued a recording of the Novelette, coupled with the three ‘mature’ string quartets. (NAXOS 8.570560), performed by the Maggini Quartet. Alwyn’s ‘Novelette’ is the only example of the Oxford String Quartet Series to be recorded.

The listener needs to be reminded that Alwyn had already composed some 13 numbered String Quartets during the1920s and 30s which were subsequently ‘withdrawn’ just before the Second World War. This was at a time when the composer was disowning most of his early music. Fortunately, several examples of these ‘early horrors’ have been recovered and are well-respected by Alwyn enthusiasts. In 2017 SOMM issued a CD featuring the final four ‘lost quartets (No. 10-13): I hope that these will be a subsequent issue in this series.

Andrew Knowles (CD liner notes) reminds listeners that the idea of the Oxford series was to provide several short and easy pieces by living British composers. He warns readers not to take the word ‘easy’ too seriously as these pieces do go well beyond ‘elementary’ level.

A ‘Novelette’ can be defined as ‘a short romantic composition…free in its form and development.’ The title probably originated with Robert Schumann in 1838. It may also imply a ‘literary influence’ of some kind, although none has been suggested for the present work.

Alwyn’s ‘Novelette’ follows this pattern. It is certainly short, lasting for a little over 2½ minutes, and although not ‘romantic’ in ethos it is approachable and characterised by rhythmic vitality.

Alwyn has compressed much of interest into this brief timespan. The work opens with a powerful statement of the main theme, played in unison, firstly by the second violin and the cello, followed by the first violin and viola. After some passing to and fro, the music becomes momentarily quiet and reflective, almost like an ‘intermezzo.’ The main theme is reprised, with a ‘drone’ in the cello part. After a short recollection of the ‘slow music’ the ‘Novelette’ concludes with the briefest of codas, and a loud, sharp chord.

Unfortunately, I have been unable to trace any information about the ‘Novelette’s’ first performance. No details are forthcoming in Craggs and Poulton’s William Alwyn: A Catalogue of his Music (Bravura, 1985) and John C. Dressler’s William Alwyn: A Research and Information Guide (Routledge, 2013)

Andrew Achenbach, reviewing the Naxos CD (The Gramophone, February 2009) perceptively describes the Novelette as ‘a winsome miniature.’ An ideal description. Reviewing this CD for MusicWeb International (December 2008) I suggested that ‘There is nothing challenging about the ‘Novelette’ except to say that it does not play down to the players or the audience. It is an attractive piece that has an open air feel to it.’ It certainly deserved its place on this disc. 

Barry Kilpatrick writing for the American Record Guide (March 2009) suggests that ‘The [CD] program ends by returning to the verve of Alwyn's younger days. 'Novelette'…is a syncopated, contrapuntal miniature with an interesting mixture of energy, darkness, and warmth.

Finally, Ronald E, Grames (Fanfare, July 2009) writes that ‘Its charm and cleverness suggest that Alwyn may have been too hasty in disowning his earlier quartet works.’ I wholeheartedly agree.