In his remarkably numerous output, Franz Schubert
suprisingly wrote no concertos for solo instrument and orchestra. However, he
did leave two remarkable concertante pieces for violin—the Konzertstuck
for Violin and Orchestra (D. 345), and the Rondo in A major for Violin and
String Orchestra (D. 438). The latter is undoubtedly Schubert's lone gem for
the solo violin.
A broad sonata-rondo, the piece is prefaced by an extended Adagio
introduction. Compared to other slow introductions throughout Schubert's oeuvre,
this one is relatively tame in its use of modulation. Much of it remains firmly
rooted around the tonic key of A major. However, a five bar passage in B-flat
major eventually leads to one of Schubert's almost miraculous modulations in
returning to the tonic key.
The rondo proper, Allegro giusto in duple time,
begins with a lively first theme alternating between sixteenth notes and
triplet eighths. A modulation to the dominant key brings about the second theme
of the sonata-rondo. This melody, entirely in keeping with the spirited first
theme, is a first-rate example of Schubert's gift for folk-like melodies.
Ending with a tutti section, the first episode is followed by a truncated
return of the principal theme, heard first in the tonic and then again in the
subdominant key. The second episode, in D major, introduces a new melody, at
first more lyrical than those before, but it soon breaks off into florid
sixteenth note figurations. The tutti passage, which ended the first episode,
also concludes the second, but a short bridge passage, passing through the keys
of B-flat and F major, precedes the return of the first theme. Both themes from
the beginning of the movement are heard in the customary tonic and a coda,
based around the tutti passage, brings the work to a spirited close. Joseph DuBose
Recorded LIVE during
the concert on April 30th, 2009, in the Great Academic Hall of the Liege University,
Belgium.
Classical Music | Violin Music
Franz Schubert
Rondo in A Major D438 for violin and string orchestra Play
Recorded on 04/30/2009, uploaded on 12/07/2010
Musician's or Publisher's Notes
In his remarkably numerous output, Franz Schubert suprisingly wrote no concertos for solo instrument and orchestra. However, he did leave two remarkable concertante pieces for violin—the Konzertstuck for Violin and Orchestra (D. 345), and the Rondo in A major for Violin and String Orchestra (D. 438). The latter is undoubtedly Schubert's lone gem for the solo violin.
A broad sonata-rondo, the piece is prefaced by an extended Adagio introduction. Compared to other slow introductions throughout Schubert's oeuvre, this one is relatively tame in its use of modulation. Much of it remains firmly rooted around the tonic key of A major. However, a five bar passage in B-flat major eventually leads to one of Schubert's almost miraculous modulations in returning to the tonic key.
The rondo proper, Allegro giusto in duple time, begins with a lively first theme alternating between sixteenth notes and triplet eighths. A modulation to the dominant key brings about the second theme of the sonata-rondo. This melody, entirely in keeping with the spirited first theme, is a first-rate example of Schubert's gift for folk-like melodies. Ending with a tutti section, the first episode is followed by a truncated return of the principal theme, heard first in the tonic and then again in the subdominant key. The second episode, in D major, introduces a new melody, at first more lyrical than those before, but it soon breaks off into florid sixteenth note figurations. The tutti passage, which ended the first episode, also concludes the second, but a short bridge passage, passing through the keys of B-flat and F major, precedes the return of the first theme. Both themes from the beginning of the movement are heard in the customary tonic and a coda, based around the tutti passage, brings the work to a spirited close. Joseph DuBoseRecorded LIVE during the concert on April 30th, 2009, in the Great Academic Hall of the Liege University, Belgium.
More music by Franz Schubert
Der Wanderer an den Mond
Tränenregen, from Die schöne Müllerin
Moment musicaux, D. 780 No. 4
Erlkönig
Piano Sonata D. 958, Finale: Allegro
Sonata in B-flat Major, Op. 30, D617
Impromptu Op. 90 No. 2 in E-flat Major, D. 899
Notturno
Impromptu Op 90 N° 3
Standchen, Lieder for Flute and Piano
Performances by same musician(s)
Zigeunerweisen, Op.20 (Gypsy Airs)
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