Franz Schubert's piano pieces for four hands are among the most varied
and significant works in the entire repertoire. Schubert wrote more of
these works than any other major composer, and generations of teachers,
students, and concert musicians have enjoyed their enduring beauty and
vitality.
Included in this volume are 15 of Schubert's best and most popular
titles, taken from the definitive Breitkopf and Härtel
Schubert-Gesammtausgabe. Composed between 1818 and 1828, they include
the tremendously popular Military Marches, Op. 51 (of which the D Major
is a striking and familiar melody); the famed Grand Duo Sonata in C
Major, Op. 140; the Fantasia in F Minor, Op. 103 (written only a few
months before Schubert's death, it is one of the most famous and
elegantly expressive works in the genre); Variations in A-flat Major on
an Original Theme, Op. 35; Andantino Varié in B Minor on French Motifs,
Op. 84, No. 1; Fugue in E Minor, Op. 152; and a delightful array of
ländler, polonaises, and variations.
The 23 separate pieces have been selected so that pianists of virtually
any level can find works to match their needs. They range in difficulty
from beautifully sculpted marches that beginners can play, to works
requiring maturity and great technical skill.
This volume has been specially designed as a playing edition. The
noteheads are large and easily readable at the piano, and wide margins
allow plenty of room for written notes, fingerings, analysis, etc. Of
special importance is the addition of measure numbers, placed on
alternate staves, which allow the pianists to find their place quickly
while rehearsing. For playing, study, or simply listening along with
records, this volume will be an admirable addition to your music
library.
