In May 1968, a manuscript of a Fantasie signed by Josef Hüttenbrenner was found in the attic of 14 Parkstrasse in Knittelfeld, Austria. The two-story stucco house belonged to the great-nephew of Hüttenbrenner who was a friend, supporter and copyist of Schubert’s. Walter Durr, from the Schubert Center of the University of Tubingen, suggests that Schubert himself composed the work after he studied the manuscript in Graz (which is how this fantasy came to be known as the “Grazer”). While no irrefutable authentication can be made of this work, there are certainly Schubertian characteristics throughout. Despite the prevailing charm of Schubert in melody and harmony, there are hints of Chopin in this work, which features a polonaise.
The opening Moderato con espressione begins with a gentle Schubertian theme, which progresses to a brisk and extended middle section featuring a polish dance – Alla polacca. The lyrical opening theme makes appearances throughout the dance, which modulates through unusual and distant tonal areas. The dance builds in excitement but eventually returns to the serene opening theme, which closes the work.
Classical Music | Piano Music
Franz Schubert
Fantasie in C Major, D. 605a, "Grazer Fantasy" Play
Recorded on 02/11/2015, uploaded on 06/30/2015
Musician's or Publisher's Notes
In May 1968, a manuscript of a Fantasie signed by Josef Hüttenbrenner was found in the attic of 14 Parkstrasse in Knittelfeld, Austria. The two-story stucco house belonged to the great-nephew of Hüttenbrenner who was a friend, supporter and copyist of Schubert’s. Walter Durr, from the Schubert Center of the University of Tubingen, suggests that Schubert himself composed the work after he studied the manuscript in Graz (which is how this fantasy came to be known as the “Grazer”). While no irrefutable authentication can be made of this work, there are certainly Schubertian characteristics throughout. Despite the prevailing charm of Schubert in melody and harmony, there are hints of Chopin in this work, which features a polonaise.
The opening Moderato con espressione begins with a gentle Schubertian theme, which progresses to a brisk and extended middle section featuring a polish dance – Alla polacca. The lyrical opening theme makes appearances throughout the dance, which modulates through unusual and distant tonal areas. The dance builds in excitement but eventually returns to the serene opening theme, which closes the work.
Notes by David Fung
More music by Franz Schubert
Der Wanderer an den Mond
Moment musicaux, D. 780 No. 4
Tränenregen, from Die schöne Müllerin
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)
Wanderer Fantasy Opus 15
Classical Music for the Internet Era™
Courtesy of International Music Foundation.