Duos for violin and piano by Franz Schubert
Edited by Ernst Herttrich, with markings by Max Rostal. Published by Henle
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 music for violin and piano may not be central in his chamber output, but it is well-worth seeking out for violinists. After he composed his Mozartean Three Sonatas (Sonatinas) in 1816, he forged new territory just a year later with his fourth Sonata in A Major, D.574 (sometimes referred to as his Duo). Though the scope and drama of Beethoven's sonatas is audible, Schubert plays to his own lyrical strengths. Almost ten years later he returned to writing for violin with his grand, experimental Rondo in B minor, Op.70 (D.895) in 1826, with music that dramatically builds tension between the two performers before exploding in exuberance. His final violin work is his masterpiece, the Fantasy in C Major, D.934 (1827), an epic and dramatic rhapsody that pushes the performers to their limits. These three singular works are presented together here in this excellent Henle urtext edition, complete with marked and unmarked solo parts. Ranges from advanced to master level, Grades 5-6.
CONTENTS:
- Sonata (Duo) in A Major, Op. posth. 162 (D.574)
- Rondo in B minor, Op.70 (D.895)
- Fantasy in C Major, Op. posth. 159 (D.934)
