Sonata (Sonatina) in D Major, D.384 (Opus 137, No. 1) for viola and piano by Franz Schubert
Arranged by H. Ritter. Published by International
Franz Schubert (1797-1828) was an Austrian composer of the Romantic Era and generally considered one of the greatest composers in the history of Western classical music. Despite his early death at age 31, he was remarkably prolific, leaving behind a vast oeuvre of over 1500 compositions, with over 600 art songs at its center. He left his mark on all genres, including--most consequentially for string players--on chamber music. His individual style grew out of the influences of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven and was characterized by a mastery of melodic writing as well as formal experimentation and significant harmonic innovation.
Schubert's most delightful and crowd-pleasing set of works for violin and piano is undoubtedly his Three Sonatinas, Op.137, written in 1816 but first published posthumously in 1836. They are light, modest, and tuneful pieces that place little in the way of technical demands on their performers-truly Mozartean classical sonatas in conception, far from the drama, bravura, and virtuosity of Beethoven's sonatas. Perhaps this is why they have since been known by the diminutive label ''sonatina''. This arrangement for viola and piano of the first of the three bring this delightful repertory to violists. Intermediate level, Grade 3.
