Carl Czerny
Fantasy No. 1, Op. 339, on Melodies by Franz Schubert, for Piano and Horn (or Violin or Violoncello)
Carl Czerny, born in Vienna in 1791 and died there in 1857, began as a gifted piano student of Ludwig van Beethoven. He gave only a few public concerts, however, turning early on to teaching and composition instead. As a teacher he was highly sought after, and as a composer remarkably prolific, leaving behind an oeuvre of more than 1,000 works.
In 1834, Hofmeister’s Monatsbericht announced “Three Brilliant Fantasies on the Most Popular Motifs from the Works of Franz Schubert” as Op. 339. That year, however, only the first fantasy actually appeared – in a version for piano four hands, a version for piano with accompaniment of horn, violin, or cello, and a version for piano and physharmonica. Fantasies No. 2 and No. 3 did not follow until 1837.
This new edition presents, for the first time, the extensive and virtuosic piano part together with all three accompanying instruments, making it possible to compare their differing treatment of the solo line. The re-engraving involved was laborious and time-consuming – but well worth the effort.
Brillante Fantaisie, Op. 339 No. 1
Der Wanderer
Erlkönig
Das Ständchen (Shakespeare)
Ständchen (von Rellstab)
Wohin? (aus den Müller-Liedern)
Das Wandern (aus den Müller-Liedern)
Jägers Lied (von W. Scott)
Traumwalzer
Each version has its own charm. You can listen to excerpts below – with the usual limitations of a sampled audio file.
