Presents
Carl Mikuli
Scherzino in c minor for 3 Violins, Op.25
Carl Mikuli (1821-1897) was in the town of Czernowitz at that time in the Polish Partition of the Austrian Habsburg Empire. (Today it is Ukraine and known as Chernivtsi). His family had both Polish and Armenian roots and his original surname was Bsdikian. As a boy he studied piano locally but he changed his name to Karol Mikuli for reasons which remain unclear when he traveled to Vienna to study medicine. After graduating, he went to Paris and studied with Frederic Chopin for four years, eventually becoming his assistant. Once in France he changed his name to Carl Mikuli by which he became known. After leaving Paris, he pursued a career as a concert pianist in Austria, Poland, Russian and Ukraine, evenually settling in Lemberg (Lviv) where he founded the conservatory in 1858 and served as its director as well as a piano teacher. Many famous pianists, including Moritz Rosenthal, were among his students. He published the first complete works of Chopin and is generally considered the foremost authority on Chopin's works. In addition to concertizing and teaching, he also composed many works, mostly for the piano.
He did not write any chamber music other than this Scherzino, which dates from 1880, and one other work, a Polonaise from 1863 also for 3 violins. The Scherzino is dedicated to the famous violin virtuoso and teacher, Joseph Joachim. One can only surmise that Joachim, who was active and living in Berlin and London, at some point visited Lemberg which inspired Mikuli to write the work. It is beautifully written for all three voices.
Unavailable for long periods of time, we are pleased to present it once again. It is a great choice for concert and because it does not require virtuoso technique of the players, is also quite suitable for amateurs .
Parts: $15.95
Parts & Score: $19.95
