Presents
Josef Labor
Sonata for Violoncello and Piano in A Major, Op.7
Labor's Cello Sonata in A Major, Op.7 dates from 1895. Labor played the piano at its premiere along with the principal cellist of the Graz Philharmonic Orchestra. In four movments, it with a very lyrical, song-like Allegro in the cello's upper registers. Next comes a heavily accented and rhythmically energetic Scherzo, molto. In the third movement Quasi Andante, the piano states a powerful, stately theme but the cello's entrance is more subdued playing an autumnal subject, sad but not funereal. The finale, Allegro con spirito, is brighter and upbeat.
Josef Labor (1842-1924), who was born in the Bohemian town of Horowitz and blinded by smallpox at the age of three, was, as a result, sent to Vienna to study at the Institute for the Blind. His precocious musical talent resulted in his being sent to study at the Conservatory of the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde. For several years he had a career as a concert pianist and then later studied organ and today is mostly remembered for his compositions for that instrument. Labor knew and was on friendly terms with virtually every musician of importance in Vienna as well as many others living elsewhere, including Brahms, Richard Strauss, Bruckner, Clara Schumann, Gustav Mahler and Bruno Walter.
This is an important late Romantic era work which belongs in every cellist's repertoire and which makes a fine recital piece. Long out of print, we are pleased to make it available once again.
Parts: $24.95
