Introduction and Variations (Schubert)

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Franz Schubert, watercolor by Wilhelm August Rieder , 1825

The introduction and variations in E minor on the song “ Trockne Blumen ” D 802 for flute and piano by Franz Schubert (1797–1828) were written in 1824.

Origin and reception

Franz Schubert's Introduction and Variations for flute and piano were composed in January 1824. As with the Trout Quintet , the Wanderer Fantasy and the string quartet Death and the Maiden , which was written in close proximity to the Variations , Schubert used one of his songs as the thematic basis of an instrumental work. It was based on the 18th song "Trockne Blumen" from the cycle " Die Schöne Müllerin " created in autumn 1823 .

The exact background is not certain, but it is obvious that a flautist from Schubert's circle suggested the composition. Even the first Schubert biographer Heinrich Kreissle von Hellborn suspects Ferdinand Bogner (1786–1846), who has been a flute teacher at the Vienna Conservatory since 1821 .

The surviving autograph of the variations comprises 11 sheets with 21 written pages and is in the Vienna Library in the City Hall . The original title of the composition, dated "January 1824", is "Variations pour le Pianoforte et Flûte". The autograph was used as an engraving model for the 1850 - 22 years after Schubert's death - published by Anton Diabelli et Comp. First edition published in Paris as Opus 160. It is entitled "Introduction et Variations sur un théme original, pour Piano et Flûte". In the German directory the work was given the number 802 and the title "Variations in e for flute and piano". Newer sheet music editions also use titles such as "Variations on" Dry Flowers "" or "Variations on the Song" Dry Flowers "".

Due to its predominantly brilliant, effective character, the work was judged rather derogatory in literature for a long time. The musicologist Alfred Einstein wrote : "It saddens Schubert's admirer to see a song of such intimacy and restraint exposed to a virtuoso treatment and ultimately transformed into a triumphant march - a sacrilege that no one else could allow himself but Schubert himself." In the meantime, however, the variations have become part of the standard flut repertoire and are considered to be the most important work in flute literature of the 19th century. Accordingly, numerous recordings are available.

characterization

The playing time of the work is around 20 minutes. It is divided into 9 parts: introduction, theme and 7 variations.

The extensive introduction ( Andante ) brings Gustav Scheck closer to a tombeau because of the prevailing affects of mourning and its solemn seriousness, which refers to the original song content . It is characterized by a characteristic, pavana-like rhythm and exposes two important motifs of the song "Trockne Blumen" (dry flowers), first in the flute part (bars 12/13).

The theme ( Andantino ) quotes the song “Trockne Blumen” itself, but with formal changes, so the two introductory bars, the repetition through the 2nd stanza and the epilogue are omitted. At the end the key changes to E major.

The immediately following Variation I transforms the theme into cantabulous, graceful figurations of the flute, with the piano assuming an accompanying function.

In Variation II, the piano dominates with octave passages in the left hand, while the flute only accompanies.

Variation III forms a lyrical, song-like intermezzo.

Variation IV is a brilliant piano piece, with right hand chord breaks over the theme in the bass. The flute takes on ornamental functions.

In contrast, Variation V of the flute poses high finger and breathing problems. In the autograph, the original version has been crossed out and replaced by a new version, since it was apparently unplayable for the intended flutist at first.

Variation VI is in C sharp minor, is often held from piano to pianissimo and has a scherzo character.

Variation VII ( Allegro ) already begins in E major and represents a triumphant march that ends in rapid runs of both instruments.

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Heinrich Kreissle von Hellborn: Franz Schubert , Vienna 1865, p. 33
  2. ↑ Autograph, schubert-online.at
  3. ↑ First print, schubert-online.at
  4. ^ Otto E. German: Franz Schubert. Thematic index of his works in chronological order . Bärenreiter, Kassel 1978, ISBN 3-7618-0571-3 . , P. 502
  5. ↑ Urtext edition, Henle HN 474, 2000
  6. ↑ Breitkopf & Härtel, EB 6658
  7. ^ Alfred Einstein: Schubert, a musical portrait . Pan-Verlag, 1952. p. 282
  8. ↑ Wolf-Dieter Seifert, preface to the Urtext edition, Henle HN 474, 2000
  9. ↑ Gustav Scheck : The flute and its music . B. Schott's Sons, Mainz 1975, ISBN 3795727650 , p. 216
  10. ↑ Gustav Scheck : The flute and its music . B. Schott's Sons, Mainz 1975, ISBN 3795727650 , p. 222

literature

  • Hans-Joachim Hinrichsen: The chamber music , in: Walther Dürr, Andreas Krause (Hrsg.): Schubert manual . Bärenreiter / Metzler, Kassel u. a. 1997, ISBN 376182002X , pp. 495-498.
  • Gustav Scheck : The flute and its music . B. Schott's Sons, Mainz 1975, ISBN 3795727650 , pp. 216-227.

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