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April 2024--June 2024

The Chamber Music of Volkmar Andreae

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Volkmar Andraea (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 of so many other modern composers, his works were not given a place in the standard repertoire.

Although Volkmar Andreae's First Piano Trio bears the opus number of 1, it was by no means his first work. It was the first work that he chose to publish and though it is full of youthful vigor, it is also that of a mature composer. It made a deep impression upon its release in 1901 and received many fine reviews but sadly was ignored for after the First World War. The language of Piano Trio No.1 in f minor, Op.1 is very late Romantic or post-Romantic, much in the way that Dohnanyi's early works are. It begins with a powerful Allegro. The composer takes us to a remarkably expressive tonal world, fresh sounding and original. The music is given an expressive sense of forward motion which is in part created by the compelling development section. The middle movement, Adagio, is of the sort Brahms might have written had he lived another ten years. The beautiful opening theme bears a distant relationship to the opening theme of the trio, heard in the Allegro. The middle sections is a very original scherzando. The hand of Brahms can be felt in the finale, Allegro ma non troppo. Though it is unhurried, nevertheless, there is an undercurrent of urgency. A lovely second theme provides excellent contrast. This first rate work, which never got the hearing it deserved. For its time and type it is a masterwork. Out of print for the better part of a century, we are pleased to bring it back and hope that both professionals and amateurs will make its acquaintance.

In 1905, Volkmar Andreae's noteworthy String Quartet No.1 in B flat Major, Op.9 was published. It definitely deserves concert performance, but experienced amateurs will also appreciate this fine work. The very fresh and original first movement, Ziemlich bewegtes Zeitmass (Allegro moderato) begins in the style of a fanfare. It has a lyrical main subject. The second theme full of feeling is also very effective. The development is masterly. The second movement, So rasch als m�glich (as quick as possible), is a scherzo with two trios. The main theme is a wild chase, but the second theme has a march-like quality. The trio section in which both violins present the melody over the accompaniment in the lower voices is highly original. The second trio with its wayward harmony is plaint, with deep feeling. The next movement, Langsames Zeitmass (Slow), though not immediately apparent, is a very loose form of a Theme and Variations. Again there is a deeply felt melody with very intricate tonalities. The finale, Lebhaft bewegt (Vivace), has for its main subject a magnificent march-like melody. A joyful second theme is followed by a fugue. All this is followed by a superb, lyrical theme toward the end.

Andreae's Piano Trio No.2 in E flat Major, Op.14 dates from 1908 and is in four movements. Its big opening Allegro moderato shows a new receptivity and influence from the French impressionists. What is particularly striking is that each of the voices, for great stretches at a time, works quite independently of the others. In the slow movement, Molto adagio, which follows, a dark meditative stillness descends. After the theme is given out, an impressive set of variations follows. A scherzo, Presto, with its tremendous tempo, gives the music a gossamer-like quality. The trio could not be more different, very slow and reflective, it completely washes away the light, nervous mood of the scherzo. This is a highly original and very inventive movement. The expansive and exciting finale, Allegro con brio, is music of movement. The main melody, a hunting theme, is played over a strong rhythm in the piano. The second subject creates a very fine contrast. Like the first trio, this trio is first rate and it is a very great shame it has not taken its place on the concert stage and on the stands of amateurs.

In 1919, Volkmar Andreae published a very valuable addition to the string trio literature, his String Trio in d minor, Op.29. It 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.

Volkmar Andreae's String Quartet No.2 in E Major, Op.33 appeared in 1921. It is lighter in mood and shorter than the First Quartet. The first movement, Andante moderato, has pleasing melodies, the second theme is particularly attractive. The muted second movement, Allegretto mosso, is quite original. The dance-like main section is humorous and tonally is quite appealing. A slow movement, Molto lento is a warm, deeply felt elegy which is interrupted by a stormy middle section. The spirited finale, Allegro molto, is quite pleasing with its fine themes and dance-like rhythm. This quartet plays quite well and does not present any great technical problems. In the concert hall it is sure to make a strong impression. This a quartet which certainly should not be undervalued.

You can hear soundbites from each movement on our website by clicking on the boldface links above. The parts are available from Edition Silvertrust.

String Qts Dedicated to Haydn-Part 1---March 2012

String Qts Dedicated to Haydn-Part 2---April 2012

3 New Beethoven Quartets?---May 2012

Hermann Berens String Trios---June 2012

2nd Movt Bruckner Str Qnt too hard---July 2012

Arriaga The Spanish Mozart---August 2012

Johan Wikmanson's String Quartets---Sept 2012

Dubois' Piano Trios---October 2012

Trios for Clarinet, Cello & Piano---Nov / Dec 2012

Bargiel Piano Trios---January / February 2013

John Antes String Trios---March / April 2013