Presents
Franz Schubert
 |
|
Quartettsatz in c minor, D.103
The Quartettsatz in c minor, D.103 was composed by Franz Schubert in 1814, not long after he finished Quartet No.3. It is believed to be the only surviving movement of a complete quartet in c minor. The movement is one of several quartets sold to the Vienna music publisher Anton Diabelli byFerdinand Schubert following his brother's death in 1828. It came into the possession of the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde of Vienna during the latter half of the 19th century and there it languished until a performance edition was prepared by Professor Alfred Orel, a noted musicologist in 1939. It of a single movement and begins with an introduction marked Grave and is followed by the main section, Allegro.
Franz Schubert (1797-1828), one of the most famous composers of all time, requires no introduction. Schubert completed his Third Quartet in the last part of February 1813. He had successfully finished his course of instruction under Wenzel Ruzicka the previous term and was passed on to Imperial Court Kapellmeister Antonio Salieri, the teacher of the most advanced students. Ruzicka noted in his final evaluation of Schubert, “He has learned it from God.” Salieri, who taught Schubert harmony, counterpoint and Italian vocal composition, was no less impressed. His end of term reports included such remarks as “A remarkable musical talent. and...an exceptional talent for music.” Though by today’s tastes, Salieri’s compositions seem dry and anemic, no one can accuse him of being unable to recognize talent. So jealous was he of Mozart that he was forced to make a sworn public statement that he had had no hand in poisoning him. Beethoven, with whom Salieri was quite impressed, studied with the Italian off and on for nearly 10 years. As for Schubert, Salieri became a mentor. Beyond his role of teacher, he interested himself in all of the young man’s early compositions, not just those written for class. Several of Schubert’s manuscripts from this time are copiously annotated by Salieri.
Parts: $11.95
