Presents
Gyula Beliczay
Serenade in d minor, Op.36
For 4 Violins, 2 Violas, 2 Cellos & Bass
Gyula Beliczay (1835-1893), sometimes known as Julius in German and English speaking countries, was born in the Hungarian town of Révkomárom (now in Slovakia on the Danubian border between Hungary and Slovakia). He studied engineering and music in Pressburg and Vienna. He pursued a dual career serving as chief engineer in the Austro-Hungarian Ministry of Communications. He studied music at the same time he took his engineering degree, piano with Carl Czerny and composition with Martin Nottebohm. His piano playing was admired by Liszt and Anton Rubinstein and his compositions were highly praised by contemporaries and performed all over Europe and even as far away as New York. He also was a sought after conductor and composition teacher and after retiring from his government position, he served as director of the Budapest Academy of Music between 1888 and 1892. His music shows the influence of Schubert, Mendelssohn and Schumann but also of the Hungarian composers Mihaly Monsonyi and Ferenc Erkel. He wrote in most genres and numbers three string quartets, a piano trio, this nonet and several instrumental sonatas among his compositions.
The Serenade in d minor for string nonet was composed in 1873 though it was not published until several years later. The first subject to the opening movement, Moderato ma non troppo, is the minor and reappears in each of the four movements. The rhythmic nature of the second theme also gives the music a distinct Hungarian flavor. An upbeat Allegro vivace comes next, but the contrasting trio risoluto once again creates an Hungarian tone. A highly romantic and lovely Adagio cantabile serves as the third movement. The finale, another Allegretto vivace, is a rondo, full of showy passages and even a superb fugue.
This is a first rate work in every way, which illustrates not only Beliczay's compositional excellence but why his music was frequently performed. It will be sure to make a good impression in concert. Out of print for nearly a century, we are pleased to make it available again.
Parts: $49.95
Parts & Score: $59.95
