Heinrich Simrock (1754–1839)
Theme with 6 Variations for Horn and Harp (or Guitar or Piano)
Henry (Heinrich) Simrock was the brother of the music publisher Nikolaus Simrock. Henry was born in Bonn in 1754 and learned to play the horn, like his brother.
He and his brother Nikolaus are believed to have given the first performance of Beethoven’s Sextet op. 81b for two horns and string quartet, which was later published by Nikolaus Simrock.
Heinrich Simrock moved to France towards the end of the 18th century.
In Paris, he later worked as a horn player and teacher at the Conservatoire. He also represented his brother’s music publishing house in France. From 1802, Simrock owned a music shop in Paris and was among those who helped introduce Beethoven’s music to France.
In the Theme and 6 Variations, the harp – which was becoming very fashionable in France at the time – is chosen as the accompanying instrument. Alternatively, as was often customary, a piano can be used. Simrock also offers the possibility of using a guitar or a lyre. This instrumentation is of great rarity.
Watch on YouTube
