Fantasy in C Major, D.934 (Op.159) for violin and piano by Franz Schubert
Edited by Carl Hermann. Published by International
Franz Schubert (1797-1828) was an Austrian composer of the Romantic Era and generally considered one of the greatest composers in the history of Western classical music. Despite his early death at age 31, he was remarkably prolific, leaving behind a vast oeuvre of over 1500 compositions, with over 600 art songs at its center. He left his mark on all genres, including--most consequentially for string players--on chamber music. His individual style grew out of the influences of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven and was characterized by a mastery of melodic writing as well as formal experimentation and significant harmonic innovation.
Schubert's most daring-and perhaps greatest-work for violin and piano is his late Fantasy in C Major, D.934 (1827). Schubert based the work on his song ''Sei mir gegrusst'', spinning the tune into a rhapsodic masterpiece of epic and dramatic proportions. It is one of the most challenging works in the Romantic duo repertoire for both violinists and pianists, balancing effortless lyricism with dazzling virtuosity. Master level, Grade 6.
