Valses nobles et sentimentales (Schubert)
Encyclopedia
Franz Schubert
wrote about a hundred waltzes
for piano solo
. Particular well known among these are two named collections, the 34 Valses Sentimentales (Op
. 50, D
. 779) and the 12 Valses Nobles (Op. 77, D. 969).
's piano music was slow in taking its place in the standard repertoire of piano literature. Until the early 20th century his vast piano solo production was often criticized for being salon music
; good for inexperienced girls, but not to be taken too seriously.
Schubert can partly be blamed for that perception problem. In his own day the problem presented itself primarily as financial, however Schubert was continuously low on money, and his multiple endeavors to create lucrative theater productions had all ended in failure. In those instances he had been successful in getting some of his more serious piano sonatas published, however they didn't sell. What did sell, were the countless small dance compositions which never tired his compatriots. Especially during the last years of his life his friends were successful in convincing Schubert to publish more of these - some of which he had only composed as a diversion at the schubertiade
s, or to please friends. These sets of waltzes fall into this category of work.
The Valses Sentimentales were written in 1823, and the Valses Nobles are believed to be written in 1827, the year before Schubert's death, although the manuscript is undated.
Franz Schubert
Franz Peter Schubert was an Austrian composer.Although he died at an early age, Schubert was tremendously prolific. He wrote some 600 Lieder, nine symphonies , liturgical music, operas, some incidental music, and a large body of chamber and solo piano music...
wrote about a hundred waltzes
Waltz
The waltz is a ballroom and folk dance in time, performed primarily in closed position.- History :There are several references to a sliding or gliding dance,- a waltz, from the 16th century including the representations of the printer H.S. Beheim...
for piano solo
Piano solo
The piano is often used to provide harmonic accompaniment to a voice or other instrument. However, solo parts for the piano are common in many musical styles...
. Particular well known among these are two named collections, the 34 Valses Sentimentales (Op
Opus number
An Opus number , pl. opera and opuses, abbreviated, sing. Op. and pl. Opp. refers to a number generally assigned by composers to an individual composition or set of compositions on publication, to help identify their works...
. 50, D
Otto Erich Deutsch
Otto Erich Deutsch was an Austrian musicologist. He is known for compiling the first comprehensive catalogue of the works of Franz Schubert, first published in 1951 in English, new edition in 1978 in German...
. 779) and the 12 Valses Nobles (Op. 77, D. 969).
Composition history and background
SchubertFranz Schubert
Franz Peter Schubert was an Austrian composer.Although he died at an early age, Schubert was tremendously prolific. He wrote some 600 Lieder, nine symphonies , liturgical music, operas, some incidental music, and a large body of chamber and solo piano music...
's piano music was slow in taking its place in the standard repertoire of piano literature. Until the early 20th century his vast piano solo production was often criticized for being salon music
Salon music
Salon music was a popular music genre in Europe during the 19th century. It was usually written for solo piano in the romantic style, and often performed by the composer at events known as "Salons". Salon compositions are usually fairly short and often focus on virtuoso pianistic display or...
; good for inexperienced girls, but not to be taken too seriously.
Schubert can partly be blamed for that perception problem. In his own day the problem presented itself primarily as financial, however Schubert was continuously low on money, and his multiple endeavors to create lucrative theater productions had all ended in failure. In those instances he had been successful in getting some of his more serious piano sonatas published, however they didn't sell. What did sell, were the countless small dance compositions which never tired his compatriots. Especially during the last years of his life his friends were successful in convincing Schubert to publish more of these - some of which he had only composed as a diversion at the schubertiade
Schubertiade
A Schubertiade is an event held to celebrate the music of Franz Schubert.-History:During Schubert's lifetime, these events were generally informal, unadvertised gatherings, held at private homes...
s, or to please friends. These sets of waltzes fall into this category of work.
The Valses Sentimentales were written in 1823, and the Valses Nobles are believed to be written in 1827, the year before Schubert's death, although the manuscript is undated.