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Curiously, music composed for two violins and double bass that was prevalent in the 19th century Austro-Hungarian empire is largely overlooked by today's performers and educators. This natural grouping of three voices can be traced to roots in Baroque trio sonatas and dance suites, and the minuet/trio, a predecessor to the waltz. Its effects coalesce in the expansion of the classical symphony form from three into four movements - fast-slow-Dance-fast. A waltz craze swept not only 19th century Vienna, but also France, Italy, Russia and America. As Vienna experienced increasing cultural and social flux, it attracted a general migration of artists to its liberal, fertile environment. The waltz and countless other dances represented an invitation to break from the past. The free-spirited simplicity of these dances stood in marked contrast to the studied formality and mannered complexity of the minuet. This craze reached such a fever pitch that the waltz, the fast polka, and the galoppe were temporarily banned when, in more than one instance, fanatic, exhausted dancers perished on the dance floor! Soon, however, the waltz evolved from an outlawed peasant dance to an acceptable gentlemanly amusement, crossing all social boundaries. In the 1820's and 1830's, it was common for music publishers to simultaneously released new works in different instrumental combinations, including string trio or quartet, piano solo, four-hand piano, and violin with piano accompaniment. This variety of performance possibilities contributed to the growth and popularity of dance music. The combination of two violins and bass is ideally suited to this light, charming, and seductive repertoire that was in vogue from circa 1755-1918. Given the opportunity to become acquainted with these works, one can easily appreciate their musical relevance and rightful place in the company of more recognized classical music literature. The Fortsetzung der Rossini Walzer, acquired from Viennese archives, contains themes from Gioachino Rossini's (1792-1868) The Barber of Seville and Richard and Zoraide, as arranged and published by Anton Diabelli (1781-1858). Diabelli's arrangement demonstrates the common practice of transforming popular themes into dance-style pieces. Diabelli lived in Vienna where he taught piano and guitar, then subsequently became known for his arrangements and compositions. He recognized and responded to the musical fashion of the time and established a flourishing publishing company which was the first to publish Schubert's works. Beethoven referred to his shrewd business savvy as "Diaboli-Diabelli"! V.R. Dubsky is actually the pseudonym for Czech composer Vojtech Rihovsky, (1871-1950). He is mainly known for his sacred compositions and it is likely that he utilized his pen name to honor the sanctity of sacred work or for contractual reasons. Born in the Moravian village, Dub na Morave, "Dubsky" can be translated "from Dub", therefore, this name can be interpreted as Vojtech Rihovsky from Dub na Morave. After studies in Prague, he worked as an organist, choir master, violinist, violist, and advisor to a publishing house. He composed a significant body of works, number over 300. Na zlate strune (Oh Golden String) is a series of delightful musical vignettes dating from 1910. Johann Strauss, Jr. (1825-1899) composed the Diplomaten Polka in 1893 for his operetta, Furstin Ninetta. This work was also published separately in the same year as opus 448. One hundred years later, in 1993, renowned composer, arranger, and performer Paul Angerer skillfully arranged this music in testament to the long-standing tradition of scoring works for diverse instrumentations, especially two violins and bass. Strauss?s music was held in the highest regard by his contemporaries, including Johannes Brahms, Richard Wagner, and literary giant Alexandre Dumas. The dance music of Franz Schubert (1797-1828) frequently arose from his "Schubertiads"', evening parties featuring the composer's improvisations at the piano. Schubert's dance music was in great demand during his lifetime. Presented here are works from various compositions dating from 1815-1823, works entitled First Waltzes (op.9), Last Waltzes (op.127), Valses Nobles (op.77), and Valses Sentimentales (op.50). Little is known about Kapellmeister Silberbauer and his Steyrische Tanze, which were preserved in Austrian archives and date from about 1850. Silberbauer may have been an innkeeper in the Old Town of Vienna. The steyrischer is a regional dance from Styria, a province in southeastern Austria. It is a type of landler, the most widely known of Austria's alpine dances and another predecessor of the Viennese waltz. Steyrischer originally consisted of a couple's dance followed by a grouping of the men in the center of a circle of dancing women. From within this circle, the men sang four-line verses, often with improvised lyrics, followed by intricate hand clapping. Ferdinand Kauer (1751-1831) was born in Moravia, studied in Hungary, and settled in Vienna around 1777. He directed the Leopoldstadt Theater Music School and by the 1790's had become known for his popular Singspiels, a type of operatic drama. In addition to his successful stage works, he composed several tutorial methods for violin, flute and piano. A tragic flood in 1830 destroyed all Kauer's possessions, including most of his scores. He continued to work as the second viola payer in the Leopoldstadt Theater orchestra until his death a year later. His 12 Neue Ungarische Tanze reflect the influence of roaming Gypsy orchestras upon many composers of this era. All of these works have been acquired through years of research, international exchanges and goodwill. These efforts were recognized with a 1996 Chicago Artists International Program Award. This honor provided the opportunity for an extensive research residency in the Czech Republic and Austria. We are very grateful to our families, friends, and colleagues for their inspiration, encouragement, and support. D E N W A Productions Denny Nowak: President, Press & Radio Promotion P.O. Box 34911 Chicago, IL 60634 773.777.1092 |
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