Presents
Anton Rubinstein
Violin Sonata No.2 in a minor, Op.19
Anton Rubinstein (1829-1894) was one of the great piano virtuosi of the 19th century with a technique said to rival that of Liszt. He also gained renown as a composer and conductor. Rubinstein was one of those rare concert virtuosi whose contribution to music went far beyond performing. In 1862, he founded the St. Petersburg Conservatory and served as its first director. His efforts in developing Russian musical talent were perhaps the greatest of any single individual. Not only did he introduce European educational methods but he also established standards that were as rigorous as any conservatory in Europe. While Rubinstein's compositions were extremely popular during his lifetime, after his death, they were criticized because they showed "no Russian influence" and were viewed as derivatives of prominent European contemporaries, especially of Mendelssohn. Despite the fact that commentator after commentator has repeated this assertion, almost as if it were a litany, it is nonetheless not entirely accurate. Although he was not part of the so-called emergent Russian national school as led by Rimsky Korsakov, it is not true that there is no Russian influence to be found in his music. This influence is just not as pronounced as in the works of Borodin, Mussorgsky or of Korsakov himself. However, listeners to Rubinstein's works will not only hear the influence of Mendelssohn, but also hear Russian melody and rhythm of the sort used by Borodin and others 20 years later.
Rubinstein's Violin Sonata No.2 in in a minor was composed immediately after his first cello sonata. It was dedicated to the famous Belgian violin virtuoso, Henri Vieuxtemps and is a fairly early work, written at a time when Mendelssohn was Rubinstein's model. Although the former's influence can, at times, clearly be heard, nonetheless, the sonata is as good as those of Mendelssohn. In four movements, the opening Allegro non troppo begins with a passionate main subject but soon lightens before a pervading restlessness overtakes the music. The second movement, Allegro assai, is a light-hearted cross between a scherzo and intermezzo. A deeply felt, noble Adagio non troppo comes next. The finale, Allegro moderato, bursts forth full of passion and drama.
This sonata would make a fine choice for a recital. Long out of print, we are pleased to make it available once again.
Parts: $24.95
