Presents
Henrique Oswald
Piano Trio No.1 in g minor, Op.9
Henrique Oswald (1852-1931) Oswald was born in Rio de Janeiro. His father was a Swiss-German, his mother Italian. Shortly after his birth his family moved to São Paulo. His mother taught music and he had his first lessons with her. Subsequently he studied at the Music Conservatory of Florence with Giuseppe Buonamici. He was active as a conductor and music director both in Europe and Brazil and is generally considered one of the most important Brazilian composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was a prolific composer of chamber music: his list includes a violin sonata, 2 cello sonatas, 3 piano trios, 2 piano quartets a piano quintet, 4 string quartets and a string octet.
Piano Trio No.1 in g minor dates from 1884 while he was still living in Italy. It is in four movements Allegro moderato, Adagio, Prestissimo, and Molto allegro. The main theme of the first movement is a yearning. lyrical melody recalling Mendelssohn. The cello, in a lengthy introduction, brings forth the primary subject of the Adagio. It is reflective, perhaps somewhat dreamy. The third movement, Prestissimo, is a nervous scherzo showing some influence of Impressionism. The finale, Molto allegro, almost sounds like a continuation of the preceding Prestissimo with its nervous, restless, running passages.
Our edition is based on the manuscript found in the Escola Nacional de Musica da Universidade do Brasil. This is an imporant work by one of Brazil's foremost romantic era composers. It deservest to be heard in concert but can certainly be managed by experienced amateur ensembles.
Parts: $29.95
