Presents
Peter von Winter
Octet in E flat Major for Violin, Viola, Cello, Flute, Clarinet, Bassoon & 2 Horns
Peter Winter's Octet in E flat Major was composed in 1812. The opening movement, Allegro, is full of forward motion. Interestingly, it begins almost exactly as does Schubert’s, which was composed twelve years later and only published twenty six years after that, so there is no question of Winter borrowing from Schubert. But it is not impossible that Schubert heard Winter’s Octet. Other than this passage, the works share little in common. The middle movement is a stately Adagio clearly based on a folk melody and executed as a set of variaitons. Interestingly, in the finale, Rondo allegretto, once again, Winter resorts to a theme and variations setting. They are virtuosic variations on a Scottish melody, a practice often used not only by Haydn and Beethoven, but also by several other Viennese composers of the time. Winter was almost certainly familiar with this practice.
Peter von Winter (1754-1825) was born in the German city of Mannheim. He began his violin studies early and by age ten was judged a prodigy on that instrument. In Mannheim, he studied composition with Abbe Vogler, who also taught Franz Danzi, Carl Maria von Weber and Giocomo Meyerbeer. A prolific composer, as were most of that era, Winter became well-known for his operas and in 1780, he moved to Vienna where several were being staged. While there, he continued his studies with Salieri. Subsequently, he became one of the best known composers in Europe. He taught briefly at the Paris Conservatory and received many honors during his lifetime. He held the position of Music Director to the Bavarian court for the last 25 years of his life and was ennobled by the King of Bavaria for his service and upon his death the 14 page obituary which appeared in the prestigious Allgemeine Musikalische Zeitung called him the most important German composer of his time.
It is possible to obtain a modern edition, but it is also expensive. We have reprinted the first edition and as you might expect of music which is 200 years old, it is not like a modern edition. It is not difficult to read but there are minor blemishes here and there which is why we offer it at a very attractive price.
Parts: $39.95
