Presents
Victor Herbert
 |
 |
Soundbites |
Serenade, Op.12
For 4 Violins, 2 Violas, 2 Cellos & Bass
Victor Herbert (1859-1924) was born on the English Isle of Guersey of an English mother. Nothing other than the name of his father, August Herbert, is known. He may have been Irish, but most likely was German. Herbert grew up in the German city of Stuttgart and studied cello and composition at the Stuttgart Conservatory. Initially, he pursued a career as a solo cellist, holding orchestral positions in Vienna and Stuttgart before moving to the United States to become solo cellist at the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in New York. While he continued to work has a solo cellist giving concerts for most of his life, in the States he concentrated on composing and conducting. For a decade and a half up until the First World War, he was perhaps the most famous composer of operetta in the U.S. with such works as Babes in Toyland,
The Serenade was composed in 1884 while Herbert was still living in Germany. It is a beautiful, highly romantic and nicely written work for all of the parts. It is in five movements, four of which have titles. The first movement is entitled Aufzug, generally meaning, musically speaking, a parade march, and that is exactly what the music sounds like, a bright, upbeat march. Next comes a Polonaise, which in someways is more of a lively waltz than a traditional polonaise. The third movement, Liebes-scene (love scene) is, as one might expect, a highly romantic piece, full of lovely melody. It is followed by a Canzonetta, playful and charming. The finale has no title. It is by turns lively, jovial and lyrical.
This is a first rate work which illustrates Herbert's compositional talent and gift for melody which is why this work was frequently performed. It will be sure to make a good impression in concert.
Parts: $49.95
Parts & Score: $59.95
