Presents
Mieczyslaw Karlowicz
Serenade in C Major, Op.2
For 4 Violins, 2 Violas, 2 Cellos & Bass
Mieczyslaw Karlowicz (1876-1909) was born in the town of Vishneva, now in Belarus but originally part historical Lithuania and Poland, on his family's estate. He studied violin and composition at the Warsaw Conservatory, among his teachers was Zygmunt Noskowski and then later in Berlin with Heinrich Urban. He also studied conducting with Artur Nikisch. He pursued a career as a conductor and composer.
The Serenade in C Major, which was composed in 1898, and premiered that year in Berlin was dedicated to his teacher Heinrich Urban. It is written in the style of the late romantic era. The first movement, entitled March, allegro moderato, is light hearted and playful, but really does not sound much like a march, except perhaps in its middle section. The second movement is a sentimental Romance, andante con moto, evoking a sense of nostalgia. A brief introduction gives no indication that what comes next is a graceful Waltz, allegro moderato. The finale is a rousing, upbeat Allegro.
Though it was meant for nonet, Karlowicz's German publishers decided to entitle it for string orchestra, which it was not, although it has been performed this way, it sounds to heavy. It is is a fine work which clearly illustrates Karlowicz's exceptional compositional abilities. It will be sure to make a good impression in concert but could also be enjoyed by amateurs. Out of print for nearly a century, we are pleased to make it available again.
Parts: $49.95
Parts & Score: $59.95
