Presents
Carl Schuberth
String Octet in E Major, Op.23
For 4 Violins, 2 Violas, Cello and Bass
The one octet that chamber music players have heard of is that of Mendelssohn and that is because it is the only one which is ever programmed on those rare occasions when an octet is performed live. There are two reasons for this, first because he is the most famous composer to have written a string octet and second he did it when he was sixteen years old. But there are several other string octets which are as good, and some might say better. These include octets by Woldemar Bargiel, Georges Enescu, Reinhold Gliere, Hermann Grädener, Otto Malling, Joachim Raff, and Carl Schuberth. Schuberth's Octet in E Major dates from 1848 and as such predates by many years any of the others on this list. It is a fresh and original sounding work which owes nothing to Mendelssohn. In the original version, it replaces the second cello with the bass, however, the publisher, the firm belonging to his older brother, requested a part for a second cello to increase sales. We do not offer this version, only the original. There is much beautiful melodic material to be found in the octet, with several original touches. The work begins with a substantial upbeat Allegro. The second movement, Andante, is a song without words with a noteworthy and very charming part for the cello. The third movement, Allegro assai, is a spirited scherzo full of energy and the lovely trio provides marvelous contrast. The magnificent finale, Allegro fuoco, lives up to its marking, full of fire and drama.
Carl Schuberth (1811-1863) was born in the German city of Magdeburg. His father taught him piano and he studied cello with the famous virtuoso and teacher Friedrich Dotzauer. He pursued a career as a touring soloist and eventually obtained the position of solo-violoncellist to the Czar of Russia in St. Petersburg, where he also served as conductor of the Court Orchestra, music-director at the University and inspector of the Imperial Dramatic College. He wrote a considerable amount of chamber music.
Long of print, we are pleased to make this fine octet available once again and warmly recommend it to professionals and amateurs alike.
| (A) Octet-Parts Only | $49.95 |
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| (B) Parts & Score | $59.95 |
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