Presents
Volkmar Andreae
String Trio in d minor, Op.29 for Violin, Viola & Cello
Volkmar Andreae's 1919 String Trio is one of the most important 20th century contributions to this genre according to the editor of The Chamber Music Journal.
Volkmar Andreae (1879-1962) was born in the Swiss capital of Bern. He studied at the Cologne Conservatory under Carl Munzinger and after a short stint at Munich working as an opera coach, he moved to Zurich where he lived for the rest of his life, becoming one of the most important figures on the Swiss musical scene. From 1906 to 1949, he was conductor of the renowned Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra and headed the Zurich Conservatory from 1914 to 1939. He conducted throughout Europe as was regarded as one of the foremost interpreters of Bruckner. In addition to his work as a conductor and teacher, he devoted considerable time to composing. While his works received praise from contemporary critics, like those so many other modern composers, his works were not given a place in the standard repertoire.
His chamber music is regarded among his best work. Edward Evans writing in Cobbett's Cyclopedic Survey of Chamber Music finds it accomplished and singles out the string trio for especial praise. The famous chamber music critic, Wilhelm Altmann, writing in his Handbuch has this to say about Andreae's trio:
“In 1919, Volkmar Andreae published a very valuable addition to the string trio literature, which presents no great technical difficulties. How beautiful the first movement, Allegro moderato, is with its lovely main theme presented in canonic fashion against an energetic accompaniment. It is especially effective when it makes its appearance at the end of the trio in the coda. The following movement, Allegretto, is a piquant scherzetto. The cello pizzicato provides a perfect accompaniment to the elegiac main theme, while the middle section in the minor provides excellent contrast. The third movement consists of two parts. It begins with a serious, somewhat doleful Molto lento, and is played attacca to the following Molto vivace, with its lyrical, dance-like theme that has an aura of melancholy. Highly recommended for the concert hall but also for amateurs"
As Altmann writes, this is a fine trio which is an important addition to the trio literature. Out of print for many years, we are pleased to make it available for trio groups.
Parts: $19.95
Parts & Score: $24.95
