Classical Music | Violin Music

Recorded on 05/10/1997, uploaded on 01/22/2010

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Spirited and charming, Schubert's Konzertstück for solo violin and chamber orchestra is a rondo with introduction. Beginning in a triumphant D major, the Adagio introduction is quite remarkable, displaying the bold harmonic turns that Schubert sometimes made. Moving first, briefly, to B-flat major followed by an ingenious return to the dominant of D major, the soloist's first independent line begins in an unexpected A minor. By means of F major and D minor, the tonic key is once again attained and majestic chords announce the arrival of the rondo proper.

The rondo, itself, settles comfortably into the key of D major. Its principal melody is of almost folk-like simplicity. Given twice by the soloists and only partially by the full ensemble, the refrain gives way to the first episode. Beginning in G major, the first episode builds on the energetic character of the refrain by introducing snappy dotted-sixteenth and vigorous triplet rhythms into the already lively Allegro tempo. The latter half of the first episode's melody moves to the key of G minor, casting a dim shadow over its animated opening statement.

A brief return of the refrain, divided between the soloist and full ensemble, follows the closing of the first episode. The following second episode introduces a lyrical melody in D minor. However, the Bachian-like sixteenth figures that occur throughout ensure that the energy of the movement is not lost. Closing on a half cadence, the second episode passes into the final return of the refrain. A coda, beginning first with a sprightly passage for the soloist and then returning to the opening melody, closes the work on joyful cadence in D major.     Joseph DuBose

Stradivarius 1720.  The "Rochester".  http://www.andante.com/article/article.cfm?id=21954